Zuoce Lavender vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and BSUN Olive offer unique experiences for users. The Zuoce Lavender is a linear switch that stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive is a tactile switch known for its deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, creating a distinct auditory and tactile experience. While the Lavender is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Olive is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different types of users. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and Bsun Olive both feature POM top and bottom housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This shared housing material gives both switches a similar overall sound characteristic, making them ideal choices for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience. The POM material used in the Lavender and Olive switches ensures that users can enjoy a consistent sound profile across the entire keyboard, whether typing or gaming.
However, while both the Lavender and Olive switches share the same POM housing material, their individual characteristics may still differ based on the design and construction of each switch. The qualities that the POM housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This difference in distribution of qualities may lead to subtle variations in typing feel and sound between the Zuoce Lavender and Bsun Olive switches, despite their shared housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Lavender and Bsun Olive switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Both switches offer a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper tone and muted quality, thanks to their POM housing material. Whether you prefer a slightly different feel when pressing down on a key or releasing it, the differences in how the top and bottom housings influence the overall sound and feel of each switch may play a role in your decision between the Lavender and Olive switches. Ultimately, regardless of the subtle variations in typing experience, both switches offer a high-quality housing material that ensures a satisfying and consistent sound profile for your keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Lavender has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Lavender's bottom out force of 53 grams is lighter than the Olive's 65 grams, resulting in a less firm typing experience. This difference in forces makes the Lavender switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions, while the Olive switch is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of tactile feedback and key press experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Lavender or Olive switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance that enhances your typing or gaming 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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 clacky sound, producing a sharp and percussive noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switch offers a deep and resonant sound due to its all-POM housings. While the Lavender provides a bright and crisp sound, the Olive switch delivers a unique and distinct auditory experience that sets it apart.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This results in a typing experience that is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Olive switch is characterized by its accented tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeably present. The sharp and snappy bottom-out of the Olive switch adds to the invigorating typing sensation it offers.
Considering all available information, it's clear that the Zuoce Lavender and BSUN Olive switches offer unique and distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender excels in providing a clacky and smooth typing experience, the Olive switch stands out with its deep and resonant sound paired with an invigorating tactile feedback. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound signature. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth, clacky typing experience, the Lavender switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, the Olive switch would better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch, and choose accordingly between the Lavender and Olive switches.