Zuoce Lavender vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and Cherry MX Silent Red are worth considering. The Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the classic MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Lavender switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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 Silent Red both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Lavender utilizes POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the MX Silent Red uses nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of the material. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
The POM housing of the Zuoce Lavender is known for its pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. This creates a unique typing experience that is relatively more muted compared to other switches. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound due to its softer nature. While both switches offer a unique typist experience, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housing materials of the switches play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing is more impactful on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the differences in housing materials between the Zuoce Lavender and Cherry MX Silent Red will result in varying sound profiles and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the MX Silent Red is lighter in both aspects. The Lavender has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lavender at 53 grams is heavier than the MX Silent Red, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Lavender offers a medium-light typing experience, while the MX Silent Red provides a lighter feel for those who prefer less resistance. Both switches offer a smooth linear action, but the differences in force may cater to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Lavender switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the MX Silent Red switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the MX Silent Red switch due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each keystroke. This adds a satisfying tactile element to typing, giving a sense of precision and feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch produces a muted sound, with a thocky and low-pitched tone that minimizes the usual noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a mechanical switch.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and making extended typing sessions more comfortable. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, providing a slight friction when pressed. This can offer a different typing sensation compared to smoother switches, catering to individuals who prefer a bit of tactile feedback during typing.
Overall, both the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. For those seeking a crisp and clacky typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, the Lavender switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, individuals looking for a quieter typing environment without compromising on tactile feedback may find the Cherry MX Silent Red switch to be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific typing experience desired, but both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a smooth and clacky typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Lavender switch would be a great choice for you. This switch is known for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying sound signature. However, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a silent operation and lower actuation force, the MX Silent Red switch could be the better option. This switch offers a similar typing experience to the classic MX Red but with the added benefit of a significantly quieter sound profile, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
Mentioned in this article
