Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying clacky sound profile, making each keystroke a distinct pleasure. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a unique typing experience with its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes. While the Lavender is classified as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky,' the Cold Plum does not have specific categories listed. Both switches provide a enjoyable typing experience, but each has its own unique traits that may appeal to different preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique housing materials for their switches. While the Lavender features POM housings for both the top and bottom, the Cold Plum utilizes nylon for both components. POM is known for creating a pleasing sound with deeper and more muted tones, whereas nylon produces a fuller sound profile that is softer and absorbs more sound. In terms of sound characteristics, the Lavender's POM housing may offer a slightly different experience compared to the Cold Plum's nylon housing due to the differences in their properties.
Despite the difference in housing materials between the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Cold Plum, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience. The POM top housing of the Lavender and the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed. The split between top and bottom housing materials means that each switch offers a distinct typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
While the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Cold Plum may have different housing materials for their switches, they ultimately strive to offer a similar result in terms of typing satisfaction. Both switches aim to create a unique sound profile that enhances the typing experience for the user. Whether it is the deeper and muted sound of POM in the Lavender or the fuller and softer sound of nylon in the Cold Plum, both switches prioritize providing a pleasant and distinctive typing sound. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a high-quality typing experience.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. The Lavender also has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Cold Plum has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lavender would be the better choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Cold Plum would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to various typing preferences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The Lavender switch is slightly longer, offering a bit more depth compared to the Cold Plum switch. However, both switches provide a relatively similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results when using either one. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer 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 Cold Plum 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
When it comes to sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its crisp and clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction, giving users a unique typing experience with a distinct sound profile. While both switches offer a different sound profile, the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum switch is currently unavailable. However, based on the smooth keystroke and satisfying sound signature, it can be assumed that the Cold Plum switch offers a similarly enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender switch is praised for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, the Cold Plum switch provides a distinct thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisp and clacky sound or a thocky sound profile, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Lavender linear switch or the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prioritize smoothness and a sharp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique thocky sound profile and a slightly heavier keystroke, the Cold Plum switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, so take into account your sound and feel preferences before making a decision. Ultimately, whether you choose the Lavender or Cold Plum switch, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
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