Zuoce Lavender vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Zuoce Lavender and Cherry MX Speed Silver both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Lavender is renowned for its exceptional smoothness, providing a satisfying typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver boasts rapid response and maximum speed, making it ideal for gamers who require quick and precise keystrokes. While the Lavender is easy to press and clacky, the Speed Silver is textured, thocky, and low-pitched. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, we can see that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Lavender features POM for both top and bottom housings, creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of each housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a unique and dynamic typing experience with each switch, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Overall, the use of POM for the Lavender and nylon for the MX Speed Silver housing materials results in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The POM material in the Lavender creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon material in the MX Speed Silver produces a fuller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials, catering to individuals who appreciate nuanced sound profiles in their keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Zuoce Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 30 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. This makes the MX Speed Silver significantly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Lavender switch. The actuation force is crucial for determining the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the force needed to press the switch all the way down. The lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver might be more preferable for those looking for a lighter typing experience, while the Lavender's slightly heavier actuation force could provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. As a result, the typing experience and feel of the switches will be very similar due to their identical travel distances. However, it is important to note that while both switches are equal in this regard, there may be other differences in terms of actuation force, smoothness, or sound that could affect overall typing experience.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its crisp and clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and satisfying tone with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving off a deep and rich tone that some users find more appealing. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Lavender providing a more percussive sound and the Speed Silver offering a bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed that can add a tactile sensation to typing. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, with the Lavender focusing on a light actuation force for smooth typing and the Speed Silver offering a textured typing experience.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender and Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches offer unique qualities in sound and feel. The Lavender excels in providing a smooth and clacky sound with easy-to-press key presses, while the Speed Silver delivers rapid response with a thocky sound and textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, but users can expect satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Zuoce Lavender if you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, opt for the Cherry MX Speed Silver if you prioritize speed and instant responsiveness, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts. This switch offers a full height for maximum speed, with a low spring resistance and linear action for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value smoothness and sound quality (Lavender) or speed and responsiveness (MX Speed Silver) in your mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
