Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Dustproof Brown offer unique features for different preferences. The Zuoce Lavender, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smoothness thanks to its Ly blend, providing an effortlessly satisfying typing experience. With a crisp and clacky sound signature, it falls under the category of 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky'. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown, a tactile switch, may not have specific standout features mentioned but is known for its tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing. While these general pointers offer a basic comparison, diving deeper into the nuances of each switch will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Dustproof Brown both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Lavender utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Lavender, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller sound profile.
While the POM and polycarbonate materials used in the top housing of the Lavender and Dustproof Brown switches, respectively, offer different sound profiles, they both have unique qualities. POM creates a unique and pleasing sound that is more on the deeper side, while polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material in the Dustproof Brown allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the switch. When it comes to the bottom housing, the POM material of the Lavender and the nylon material of the Dustproof Brown provide distinct tactile experiences, with the nylon absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound profile compared to the POM.
Overall, the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Dustproof Brown play a crucial role in determining the sound profiles of these switches. While the POM and nylon bottom housings create deeper and fuller sounds, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Brown produces a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches deliver unique and pleasing sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and muted sound or a sharper and crisper sound, there is something for everyone in the housing materials of these switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch differ in terms of weight. The Lavender has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Dustproof Brown's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Lavender at 53 grams is lighter than the Dustproof Brown's 65 grams, providing a softer typing experience. This makes the Lavender more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods, while the Dustproof Brown is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. In this case, choosing the Lavender will result in a lighter typing experience overall, while selecting the Dustproof Brown will lead to a heavier and more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown switch provides a deeper feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for responsiveness or depth. Ultimately, while the Lavender switch is shorter and the Dustproof Brown switch is longer, the choice between them will result in distinct typing experiences.
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 Dustproof 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
When it comes to sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its distinctively crisp and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each press. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press quality, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience due to its low actuation force. This feature helps reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it a comfortable option for extended use. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Dustproof Brown switch is not specified, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch excels in providing a crisp and clacky sound profile along with an easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice among users seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience. While the qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch remain unknown, it is essential for newcomers to consider factors such as sound, feel, and personal preferences when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for their needs. In general, both switches can offer similar results in terms of performance, but individual preferences may ultimately determine the better choice between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, consider the bottom out force and sound and feel characteristics of each. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth and clacky sound, the Lavender switch with its 53-gram bottom out force may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing feel with a medium-heavy 65-gram bottom out force, the Dustproof Brown switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and force required for key presses.
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