Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Red 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 Red are both linear switches that offer their own unique qualities. The Lavender is lauded for its exceptional smoothness thanks to its Ly blend, providing a satisfying typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Red switch doesn't have a standout feature but is known for its reliability and straightforward linear feel. While the Lavender may be preferred for its easy-to-press nature and clacky sound, the Red switch is a solid choice for those who prioritize consistency and simplicity. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Red, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles due to their distinct properties. The Lavender, with its POM top and bottom housing, produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the Red, featuring a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, creates a sharper and crisper sound. The POM material in the Lavender offers a unique sound experience, while the nylon bottom housing of the Red contributes to a fuller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences, both the Lavender and Red switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their housing materials. The use of POM in the Lavender's top and bottom housing creates a cohesive sound profile that is pleasing to the ear, while the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Red offers a balance of sharpness and depth in sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the absorption of sound provided by their respective housing materials, resulting in a more enjoyable typing experience overall.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the Lavender's POM housing affects the sound when pressing down on a key, the Red's nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Red impacts the sound when releasing a key, providing a more detailed and resonant sound. Overall, whether using the Lavender or Red switches, the choice of housing material will determine the unique sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Red linear switch's 46 grams actuation force. However, the Lavender switch has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Red switch has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly heavier. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Lavender leaning towards a lighter feel and the Red towards a heavier feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Lavender switch, which allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Outemu Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Based on this information, the Outemu Red switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Zuoce Lavender switch. The difference of 0.6 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Zuoce Lavender switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper keypress experience may opt for the Outemu Red switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Red 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 clacky and satisfying sound signature, attributed to its smooth operation and Ly blend material. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's sound profile is not specified. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used, so personal preferences may vary.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Lavender is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring low actuation force. This feature enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue during long typing sessions, providing a responsive and effortless typing experience. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the Outemu Red linear switch is unavailable, so direct comparisons cannot be made.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its smoothness, clacky sound, and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Outemu Red linear switch does not have detailed subjective qualities provided, it is possible to expect a similar typing experience in terms of smoothness and sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing feel that each individual user prefers.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound, the Lavender switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key press with no specific sound preference, the Outemu Red switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing style, preferences, and needs when making a decision between these two unique mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what best suits your typing experience.
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