Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Lavender switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound signature, making it a great choice for those who prefer an easy-to-press switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback without the audible click, providing a quieter typing experience for those who prefer a more subtle keystroke. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
The Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Brown switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Lavender's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, giving a visually appealing look to the switch. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM bottom housing shares similar qualities with the top housing, providing a consistent deep and pleasing sound profile. In contrast, the Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Brown switches provide distinct sound profiles, the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience is noteworthy. The bottom housing material, whether it be POM for the Lavender or nylon for the Brown, contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Brown absorbs more sound, creating a fuller and deeper typing experience compared to the Lavender's POM bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing material, such as the polycarbonate of the Brown switch, influences the sound when releasing a key, delivering a crisper and more resonant tone compared to the Lavender's POM top housing.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Brown switches results in contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences. The Lavender's POM top and bottom housing materials create a consistent and pleasing sound profile that leans towards deeper and more muted tones. In comparison, the Brown switch with polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile with a fuller and rounder typing experience. While both switches provide unique qualities based on their housing materials, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either choice, depending on their preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Lavender switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, the Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended typing sessions, the Lavender switch would be a suitable choice. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Brown switch. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to select based on personal preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Zuoce Lavender switch. The shorter travel distance of the Lavender switch may be preferred by gamers for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Brown switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so users may want to consider their typing preferences when choosing between the two.
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 Brown 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 known for its crisp and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This results in a responsive and low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Brown switch, making it challenging to draw a direct contrast. Overall, if you are looking for a smooth and clacky switch with an easy-to-press feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch would be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer tactile switches with a different sound and feel profile, further research or testing may be necessary to determine the best option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Lavender linear switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound with a light actuation force, the Lavender switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile bump for feedback during typing, the Brown switch may suit you better. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their unique features and advantages, so make your decision based on what will enhance your typing experience the most.
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