Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Blue offer different typing experiences to cater to various preferences. The Lavender switch is a linear switch that is praised for its exceptional smoothness thanks to the proprietary Ly blend. Its clacky sound signature makes typing a satisfying experience, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the Blue switch from Outemu falls under the clicky category, offering a distinct clicking sound with each keystroke. While it may not have a specific standout feature like the Lavender, it provides a different typing experience altogether. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Blue switches, it's clear that the POM top housing of the Lavender and the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue offer distinct sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Lavender creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, providing a visually appealing feature that POM does not offer.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Lavender's POM bottom housing and the Blue's nylon bottom housing also contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Lavender produces a pleasing deep sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Blue creates a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to the harder POM, resulting in a duller sound that adds to the typing experience on switches with nylon bottom housings.
While the top and bottom housings of the switches have different materials and therefore different sound profiles, it's important to note that each contributes to the overall typing experience in its own way. The bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, understanding the characteristics of each housing material allows keyboard enthusiasts to tailor their typing experience based on their sound preferences and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender requires a heavier force of 53 grams while the Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Lavender offers a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, but requires a bit more force to bottom out. The Blue switch may provide a more consistent force throughout the keystroke due to its clicky mechanism, but without the exact bottom out force, it's hard to compare this aspect directly. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Lavender switch, while those who like a bit more resistance might opt for the Outemu Blue.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. In comparison, the Outemu Blue clicky switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Zuoce Lavender will provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Outemu Blue. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Lavender switch, while those who enjoy a deeper key press experience may lean towards the Blue switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Lavender being shorter and the Blue being longer in terms of travel distance.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch is praised for its smoothness and easy-to-press nature, providing a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. When it comes to sound, the Lavender switch produces a crisp and clacky sound that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, details about the Outemu Blue clicky switch are not provided, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the information available, if you are looking for a switch with a smooth and easy-to-press feel along with a satisfying clacky sound, the Zuoce Lavender would be a great choice. Be sure to consider other factors such as your keyboard and keycaps when making your decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a decision between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smooth and clacky keystroke with a medium-light bottom out force, the Lavender switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a distinct sound profile and are indifferent to the bottom out force, the Blue switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
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