Zuoce Lavender vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch both offer unique characteristics to suit different preferences. The Lavender switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness straight out of the box, providing a satisfying clacky sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is all about subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the Lavender is considered easy-to-press and clacky, the MX Brown is known for its textured, bassy, and low-pitched feel. Both switches have their own appeal depending on what you prioritize in a typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 Cherry MX Brown both have unique housing materials that contribute to the sound and feel of the switches. The Lavender's POM housing creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the MX Brown's nylon housing elicits a fuller and softer sound. Both housing materials absorb sound, but the POM material of the Lavender may provide a slightly more muted sound compared to the nylon of the MX Brown. Overall, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lavender's POM and the Cherry MX Brown's nylon contribute to the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The bottom housing has a direct impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the POM providing a more muted sound profile while the nylon offers a fuller sound. Despite the differences in sound, both housing materials are designed to enhance the overall typing experience by creating a unique tactile feedback. Additionally, the softer nature of both materials allows for a smoother typing experience compared to harder plastics.
On the other hand, the top housing of both the Zuoce Lavender and the Cherry MX Brown also plays a significant role in the sound experience. The top housing has a more prominent effect on the sound when releasing a key, influencing the overall sound profile of the switch. While the POM top housing of the Lavender creates a pleasing and unique sound profile with deep tones, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown provides a fuller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both housing materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, we find that both switches fall into the medium-light category. The Lavender switch has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the MX Brown switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the MX Brown switch requires a lighter initial force to trigger a keystroke, but a heavier force to bottom out compared to the Lavender switch. In terms of weight, both switches are relatively similar and suitable for extended use. Lighter switches like the MX Brown are ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while heavier switches like the Lavender provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference on the feel of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Lavender has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the MX Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender's 3.4 mm travel distance is ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers, who benefit from shorter distances for quick key presses. On the other hand, the MX Brown's 4 mm travel distance provides a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Brown 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 switch is known for its crisp and clacky sound signature, creating a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a more subdued and bassy sound profile, with lower frequency tones for a subtle typing experience. Both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, but the Lavender will give a sharper sound, while the MX Brown will offer a deeper and richer tone.
As for feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as textured, with noticeable friction during key presses. This textured feel may be preferred by some users but could potentially be less comfortable for extended typing sessions compared to the smoothness of the Lavender.
Overall, if you enjoy a crisp and clacky sound with easy-to-press switches, the Zuoce Lavender would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with a bassy sound profile and don't mind a textured feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch could be the better option. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch, so try out both options if possible to see which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for smoothness and sound. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound, the Zuoce Lavender switch with its proprietary Ly blend may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle and gentle tactile typing experience with subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a more laid-back option. Additionally, take into account the bottom out force of each switch, with the Lavender at 53 grams and the MX Brown at 55 grams, to determine which aligns better with your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience.
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