Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Tom mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences to consider. The Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness thanks to its proprietary Ly blend, providing a satisfying typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound signature. It is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky'. On the other hand, the Tom switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned. It is categorized under an unknown category. If you value smoothness and a distinct sound profile, the Lavender may be the way to go. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Tom keyboards both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Lavender's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Tom's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Tom's housing also allows for RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. In contrast, the Lavender's POM bottom housing complements its top housing, creating a pleasing overall sound profile. On the other hand, the Tom's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile.
When comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Tom, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles based on their respective materials. The POM top housing of the Lavender and the polycarbonate top housing of the Tom both have distinct characteristics that affect the overall sound of the keyboard. The Lavender's POM housing creates a more muted sound, while the Tom's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Tom absorbs more sound, leading to a fuller sound profile compared to the Lavender's POM bottom housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Tom play a significant role in the sound and feel of the keyboards. While the Lavender's POM housing provides a unique and pleasing sound profile, the Tom's polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offer different characteristics that cater to varied preferences. Both keyboards offer their own distinct advantages in terms of sound quality, with the choice between POM and polycarbonate ultimately coming down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality with either keyboard, with differences in housing materials providing unique characteristics.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch's 55 grams, making the Lavender more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender requires 53 grams to fully press down, while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Lavender offers a consistent and smooth typing experience throughout. The Tom, on the other hand, may provide a more tactile feel due to its higher actuation force. In the end, the choice between these switches depends on whether you prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier push for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Tom tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Lavender switch may provide a slightly more pronounced key press feel due to its longer travel distance, while the Tom switch may offer a quicker typing experience with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a more responsive or a more tactile typing experience.
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 Tom 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 offers a clacky and satisfying sound profile, thanks to its crisp and percussive nature. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's uncertain how it compares in this aspect. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, providing a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force results in a typing experience that is effortless, comfortable, and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Tom switch is not specified, so it's unclear how it stacks up against the Lavender in terms of typing comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is recognized for its smoothness, clacky sound, and easy-to-press feel, there is limited information available about the Outemu Tom tactile switch. As a newcomer, if you prioritize smoothness, a distinctive sound profile, and ease of typing, the Lavender switch could be a solid choice. However, for a more detailed comparison between the two switches, further research or hands-on experience may be necessary to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your preference in terms of smoothness and sound. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke experience with a crisp and clacky sound, the Lavender switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a specific bottom out force and tactile feedback, the Tom switch might suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences, so try out both switches if possible to determine which one feels best for you.
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