Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both of which are linear switches. The Zuoce Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness due to its proprietary Ly blend, offering a satisfyingly crisp and clacky sound signature with each keystroke. It is categorized as easy to press and clacky, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback and smoothness. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is known for its silent operation, providing a quieter typing experience compared to the Lavender. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is clear that they have distinct characteristics that affect the sound profiles of the switches. The Lavender features a POM top housing, which creates a relatively deeper and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Lavender providing a more subtle and quieter typing experience compared to the more vibrant and crisp sound of the Silent Yellow.
Moving on to the bottom housing comparison, the Lavender's POM bottom housing offers a similar pleasing and unique sound profile as its top housing. This deeper and more muted sound profile is consistent throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a different sound experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon's softer properties that absorb more sound. This difference in bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall typing sound and feel of the switches, appealing to different preferences based on the desired sound profile.
Overall, while the Lavender and the Silent Yellow have different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they each offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM and polycarbonate materials affect the sound in distinct ways, with POM creating a deeper and more muted sound compared to polycarbonate's sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings contribute to a different typing experience, with nylon offering a fuller sound compared to POM's pleasing and unique sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer quality housing materials that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that there is a notable difference in the weight of the two switches. The Lavender switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Silent Yellow switch requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, which is considered heavy. This means that the Lavender switch would be preferred by users looking for a lighter typing experience, suitable for extended use, while the Silent Yellow switch would appeal to those seeking a more substantial and firm typing feel. Both switches offer distinct experiences based on their force requirements, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Lavender switch, as shorter travel distances are often favored in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Silent Yellow switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Yellow 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
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. The easy-to-press nature of the Lavender switch not only enhances typing efficiency but also makes it a comfortable and low-impact option for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch doesn't have any specific information available regarding its sound or feel characteristics. However, based on the qualities of the Lavender switch, it can be assumed that the Silent Yellow switch may offer a similar smooth typing experience with a quieter sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keycap and keyboard choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Choose the Lavender switch if you prioritize smoothness and enjoy a crisp, clacky sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and an easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, opt for the Silent Yellow switch if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. While the Silent Yellow may lack a distinctive sound and feel profile compared to the Lavender, it provides a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a heavier touch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience in terms of smoothness, sound, and actuation force.
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