Zuoce Lavender vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and TTC Neptune both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lavender is praised for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure that combines a smooth glide with a springy resistance, offering a textured pleasure with every keystroke. While the Lavender is easy-to-press and clacky, the Neptune is described as buttery, gummy, and frictionless, with a muted sound profile. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and TTC Neptune both utilize POM for their top housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This material choice provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, with a focus on the sound produced when releasing a key. In contrast, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is more pronounced during the bottom-out action. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes, making it a popular choice for switches featuring RGB lighting due to its translucent properties.
In terms of design, the Lavender and Neptune showcase different approaches to housing materials. While both switches feature POM in the top housing, each switch uses a distinct material for the bottom housing. This segmentation allows for a balance of qualities, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. The Lavender's emphasis on a uniform sound profile throughout the keystroke highlights the consistent nature of POM, while the Neptune's combination of POM and polycarbonate offers a dynamic range of tones for a more diverse typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the Zuoce Lavender and TTC Neptune offers users different sound profiles and tactile feedback. While both switches share the benefits of POM in the top housing, the Neptune's inclusion of polycarbonate in the bottom housing results in a crisper and more resonant typing experience. Conversely, the Lavender's all-POM construction provides a smoother and more uniform sound output. Whether seeking a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, higher-pitched tone, users can find their preferred typing experience with these two switches based on their housing material preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it becomes apparent that the Lavender switch is heavier overall. The Lavender switch has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Neptune switch has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter switch. The difference in weight between the two switches may influence the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Neptune switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Lavender switch. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch play a crucial role in determining the overall feel and performance of a keyboard.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the TTC Neptune linear switch's travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Lavender switch offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Neptune switch provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, catering to users who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press 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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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
The Zuoce Lavender switch is renowned for its crisp and clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound, creating a more subtle and refined auditory experience. While the Lavender delivers a percussive sound, the Neptune offers a softer and mellower tone, catering to those who prefer a more subdued typing atmosphere. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, with the Lavender being more lively and the Neptune being more subtle, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference or typing environment.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Lavender is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune is described as buttery and gummy, providing a smooth and frictionless typing sensation with a hint of springy resistance similar to chewy delights like mochi. The Lavender focuses on effortless typing with minimal force required, while the Neptune emphasizes a seamless and uniform typing feel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique tactile feedback and smooth key travel, catering to individuals with different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender and TTC Neptune switches each excel in different aspects, catering to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Lavender offers a crisp and clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, while the Neptune provides a muted and low-pitched sound with a buttery and gummy typing sensation. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users can find a switch that meets their specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for the liveliness of the Lavender or the subtlety of the Neptune, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that enhances your overall typing performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Lavender linear switch or the TTC Neptune linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch with its smoothness and satisfying keystrokes may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique combination of smoothness, springy resistance, and a muted sound signature for a textured typing pleasure, the Neptune switch with its ultralight feel and innovative internal structure may be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a distinct typing experience, so choose the one that resonates most with your individual typing needs.
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