Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Silent Grey stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Zuoce Lavender switch is a linear switch known for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying clacky sound signature right out of the box, making each keystroke a joy to experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is a tactile option that offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, perfect for those who prioritize a tactile feel while also keeping noise levels to a minimum. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 the Outemu Silent Grey differ in their housing materials, with the Lavender featuring POM top and bottom housings while the Silent Grey has polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The POM housing of the Lavender creates a deep and relatively muted sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey produces a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lavender.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Silent Grey allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing choice for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Zuoce Lavender may not offer the same level of visual flair, but it does provide a unique sound profile that appeals to users looking for a more subtle typing experience. While both housing materials have their own distinct advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a switch.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Silent Grey offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows for a balance of impact and sound when typing on these switches. Whether you prefer the deep and muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize sound profile, aesthetics, or a combination of both in your keyboard setup.
Weight
In comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Lavender switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a notably heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The difference in forces between the two switches highlights the importance of considering weight preferences when selecting a switch for use in extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the lighter actuation force of the Lavender switch may appeal to individuals looking for a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier forces of the Silent Grey switch cater to those seeking a more pronounced keypress sensation.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with a travel distance of 4mm. The Lavender's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Grey's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feedback. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user needs, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience regardless of the travel distance.
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 Silent Grey 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 clacky and crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle sound profile. Both switches can offer an enjoyable typing experience, but the Lavender will provide a more pronounced and sharp sound compared to the Silent Grey.
In terms of feel, the Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a smooth and gentle resistance during key presses. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the contrary, the feel of the Silent Grey switch is not specified in the provided information. However, as a tactile switch, it can be assumed that it will provide a noticeable bump during key presses, giving users a tactile feedback while typing.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its smoothness and clacky sound, as well as its easy-to-press nature, providing an enjoyable typing experience for those who prefer a linear switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump, suitable for users looking for a tactile feedback without the noise. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Lavender offering a more distinct sound profile and easier key presses compared to the Silent Grey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you value a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience.
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