Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Gold offer unique features and benefits for users to consider. The Lavender switch stands out for its remarkable smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, making typing a satisfying experience. Categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', it is a popular choice for those who prefer linear switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch doesn't have a specific standout feature mentioned but falls under the clicky switch category. 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
1.80 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 Gold switches both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Lavender features a POM top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound overall. In contrast, the Gold switch utilizes a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound for the top housing and a deeper, fuller sound for the bottom housing. The difference in housing materials between the two switches highlights the impact that top and bottom housings can have on the overall sound profile of a switch.
Both the Lavender and Gold switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the acoustics of a mechanical keyboard switch. The use of POM in the Lavender switch results in a unique and pleasing sound profile, while the polycarbonate and nylon combination in the Gold switch offers a sharper and more resonant sound experience. Although the two switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both demonstrate the significance of utilizing specific plastics to achieve desired sound characteristics. Whether it's POM or polycarbonate, the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall sound profile of a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Gold switch offers translucency for RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing option for those who prioritize customizable lighting. On the other hand, the opaque POM top housing of the Zuoce Lavender switch may appeal to users looking for a more understated design. While both switches prioritize sound quality in their housing materials, the visual differences between the two options allow users to choose based on both sound and style preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deeper, muted sound of the POM housing in the Lavender or the crisper, higher-pitched sound of the polycarbonate and nylon in the Gold, the choice of housing material can significantly impact your typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that the Lavender is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Gold has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Lavender more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gold switch provides a slightly heavier push feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches highlight the importance of weight in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for prolonged use and heavier switches offering a more robust feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is clear that the Lavender has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Gold has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Gold's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Lavender providing a smoother linear feel and the Gold offering a clicky feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Gold 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 with its clacky and crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks specific information regarding its sound profile, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. It is important to consider that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This attribute reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, enhancing the overall typing experience with its responsive and gentle key presses. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Outemu Gold switch are not available for comparison.
Overall, if you are looking for a smooth and clacky switch with a light actuation force, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch would be an excellent choice. While information about the Outemu Gold clicky switch is limited in this comparison, it is important to find a switch that aligns with your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience to ensure optimal satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize a smooth and clacky typing experience right out of the box, then the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams that provides a crisp and clacky sound, the Gold switch may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision will depend on whether you value smoothness and a lighter typing feel with the Lavender, or a medium-bottom out force and satisfying sound with the Gold.
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