Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, a clear distinction can be made based on their primary characteristics. The Lavender switch is celebrated for its smoothness and crisp, clacky sound, offering an easy-to-press experience for users who enjoy a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch lacks a standout feature but falls under the category of a tactile switch. While both switches have their respective strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between them. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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 Outemu Milk Tea both utilize unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Lavender features POM top and bottom housings, while the Milk Tea uses Ly top housing and nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing of the Lavender creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing produces a bright and resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM bottom housing is known for its unique sound profile, which is deeper and more muted, whereas the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption qualities.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Milk Tea offer unique sound experiences. The POM top and bottom housings of the Lavender provide a consistent and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper and more muted side. In comparison, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing and nylon bottom housing combination offer a brighter and more resonant sound signature, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Although their sound profiles may vary, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Lavender and Milk Tea, the different housing materials contribute to their distinct sound profiles and overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound or a brighter and more resonant sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch with 45 grams. The Lavender also has a bottom out force of 53 grams while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is not specified. In terms of weight, the Milk Tea switch is lighter which may make it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Lavender switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, but users looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Milk Tea while those seeking a heavier feel may opt for the Lavender.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch provides a deeper key press sensation with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, with the Lavender being shorter and the Milk Tea being longer, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and speed of response.
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 Milk Tea 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 satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has no specific sound description available. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a smooth and light actuation that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel, making typing effortless and comfortable. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch.
Overall, if you enjoy a clacky sound and an easy-to-press typing experience, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch would be a great choice for you. While the specific sound and feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are unknown, it may also provide similar results depending on your personal preferences. Remember to consider additional factors such as keycaps and keyboard layout when making your decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys, the Milk Tea switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer linear switches for a smooth typing experience or tactile switches for a more distinct feedback while typing. Happy typing!
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