Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer unique features to consider. The Zuoce Lavender is a linear switch that stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, making typing a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that doesn't have a standout feature mentioned, but is known for its tactile feedback and responsiveness. The Lavender switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', while the Cream Yellow's specific category is not provided. In general, if you value smoothness and a clacky sound, the Lavender switch may be the best choice for you. 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
60g
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
pom
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Cream Yellow both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Lavender utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deep and muted sound. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow incorporates nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound. While POM and nylon are different materials, they both aim to absorb sound to minimize noise during typing, but achieve this in slightly different ways.
In terms of the top housing material, the Lavender's POM housing produces a deeper sound profile than the Cream Yellow's nylon housing. POM is known for its ability to create a unique and pleasing sound that is relatively muted. In comparison, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller sound profile. This contrast in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a quieter or more pronounced typing sound. However, both housing materials aim to provide a high-quality sound that enhances the typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Lavender's POM and the Cream Yellow's nylon contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The slightly different properties of POM and nylon may result in a subtle variation in the typing experience, with POM potentially offering a slightly deeper bottom-out sound compared to nylon. Overall, the choice between POM and nylon housing materials may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both materials are designed to create a pleasant typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the Lavender requires slightly more force to actuate at 48 grams compared to the Cream Yellow at 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cream Yellow requires more force at 60 grams compared to the Lavender at 53 grams. The Lavender switch can be considered lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Cream Yellow switch is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on the force required, with the Lavender offering a smoother and lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions, while the Cream Yellow provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for fast response times. The Lavender switch may provide a slightly deeper press due to its longer travel distance, while the Cream Yellow switch could feel slightly more abrupt but still offers a relatively quick response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the travel distance that provides the desired level of 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 Outemu Cream Yellow 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 offers a satisfyingly crisp and clacky experience, thanks to its unique blend that ensures smoothness and a distinctive percussive sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are currently unknown. However, keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, providing a minimal resistance that requires gentle force to activate. This light actuation force not only makes typing effortless and comfortable but also reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Overall, the Lavender switch offers a responsive and low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Conversely, the tactile feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch has not been documented yet.
Considering the information provided, it's clear that the Zuoce Lavender linear switch boasts exceptional smoothness, a satisfying clacky sound, and an easy-to-press feel. In contrast, details on the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are currently unavailable. Therefore, while it's difficult to directly compare the two switches based on the available information, if one is looking for similar smoothness and a pleasant clacky typing experience, the Zuoce Lavender switch would likely provide satisfying results. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you value a smooth and clacky typing experience with a lighter actuation force, then the Lavender switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and are looking for a tactile feedback, the Cream Yellow switch might be more suitable for you. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so be sure to consider what matters most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Lavender and Cream Yellow switches will depend on what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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