Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer unique typing experiences. The Lavender is a linear switch that is praised for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. It provides an easy-to-press feel with a crisp and clacky sound signature, making each keystroke a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, although not much is known about it. While the Lavender is best suited for those who prefer a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Spring Breeze may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Lavender's POM top and bottom housings create a deep and muted sound, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top and bottom housings elicit a fuller and rounder sound. Both switches utilize their respective materials to create distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. However, the Lavender may have a softer and more absorbing sound due to its POM material, while the Spring Breeze may offer a more classic and traditional typing experience with its nylon housing.
Despite their differences, both the Lavender and Spring Breeze share a commonality in utilizing their housing materials to produce a pleasing sound profile. The POM and nylon materials in the Lavender and Spring Breeze, respectively, both contribute to a deeper sound that is unique to each switch. While the Lavender's POM material may offer a more muted sound compared to the Spring Breeze's nylon material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their housing materials. This similarity highlights the importance of housing materials in creating a switch's overall sound and feel.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on a switch, it is essential to understand how each component contributes to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, which can be felt when pressing down on a key, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, creating a comprehensive typing experience. By utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom, switches like the Lavender and Spring Breeze are able to offer a unique combination of sound profiles that cater to various preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender requires 53 grams while the Spring Breeze needs 55 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-light category in terms of actuation force, but the Lavender is slightly heavier on the bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Spring Breeze may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback while typing, the Lavender may provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a quicker response time, especially gamers. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch provides a longer travel distance, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced key press feel. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Lavender being shorter and the Spring Breeze being longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences regarding 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 Spring Breeze 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
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for producing a crisp and clacky sound signature that adds a satisfying element to every keystroke. The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, on the other hand, does not have a defined sound description available. Both switches are likely to provide distinct auditory feedback, but with the Lavender offering a sharper and more pronounced sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is revered for its smooth and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate. This gentle resistance allows for a comfortable and effortless typing experience, promoting reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Unfortunately, there is no available description of the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze switch. However, based on the Lavender's characteristics, one can infer that the Spring Breeze may offer a similar light and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch excels in providing a crisp and clacky sound signature paired with an easy-to-press and comfortable typing feel. Although the specific qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch are not detailed, it is safe to assume that both switches offer their unique advantages to enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but either option is likely to result in a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Lavender linear switch or the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you value a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a crisp sound signature, the Lavender switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and tactile feel when typing, then the Spring Breeze switch may be more suited to your preferences. Remember to take into account factors such as bottom out force and sound and feel characteristics when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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