Zuoce Lavender vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Zuoce Lavender and Cherry MX Black both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound signature, providing an easy-to-press experience that is sure to please those who enjoy a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the MX Black from Cherry boasts a classic textured smoothness and deep sound profile, offering a stiff and low-pitched typing experience. These distinctions make both switches appealing options for different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and the Cherry MX Black both utilize different housing materials for their switches. The Lavender features POM top and bottom housing, while the MX Black uses nylon for both. The POM housing of the Lavender creates a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the MX Black elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the difference in housing materials, both the Lavender and the MX Black switches offer a pleasing typing experience with distinct sound profiles. The split characteristics of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch contribute to the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The impact of the bottom housing is more apparent during a key press, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This nuanced interaction between the housing materials creates a unique typing experience for users of both switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Zuoce Lavender and the Cherry MX Black will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The POM housing of the Lavender may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon housing of the MX Black offers a fuller sound with a duller tone. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of mechanical switches. Whether you opt for the Lavender or the MX Black, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with each switch.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Cherry MX Black linear switch, which has an actuation force of 60 grams, making the Lavender easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender also has a lighter 53 grams force compared to the heavier 80 grams force of the MX Black. This means that while the Lavender may be easier to type on for longer periods of time due to its lighter weight, the MX Black provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming activities.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Cherry MX Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the MX Black's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and in-depth keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more immersive feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience, but both can provide satisfactory results depending on the user's needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, producing sharp and snappy keystrokes that are crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience, with the Lavender being more on the crisp side and the MX Black leaning towards a deeper sound.
In regard to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The Cherry MX Black switch, on the other hand, is described as textured and stiff, providing noticeable friction when pressed and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. Some users may prefer the subtle texture of the MX Black, while others may find the stiffness less appealing compared to the smoothness of the Lavender.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch boasts a classic textured smoothness and low-pitched sound, providing a different but equally rewarding typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. It's worth noting that both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver similar results depending on the user's individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and light typing experience, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, you can enjoy effortless typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The crisp and clacky sound signature adds an extra touch of satisfaction to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier and more textured typing feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch with its 80-gram bottom out force and low-pitched sound profile would be the better option. The Hyperglide tooling from Cherry ensures a classic textured smoothness that some users find comforting. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and comfort level.
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