Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Phoenix are two outstanding mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features and benefits. The Lavender, a linear switch, is renowned for its exceptional smoothness straight out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. With a crisp and clacky sound signature, every keystroke is a satisfactorily distinct experience. On the other hand, the Phoenix, a clicky switch, stands out for its under-skirt click mechanism, making it one of the most unique clicky switches available today. It boasts a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile. While the Lavender is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Phoenix is classified as 'Crunchy' and 'Polished'. When choosing between the two switches, consider factors such as the sound profile, ease of pressing, and overall typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Phoenix keyboards both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Lavender utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deep and muted sound overall. On the other hand, the Phoenix features polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both keyboards provide a pleasing auditory experience tailored to the preferences of the user.
In terms of aesthetics, the Lavender showcases a solid color scheme due to its POM housing, while the Phoenix's polycarbonate housing allows for translucency, ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. The visual appeal of the keyboards is enhanced by the choice of material for their housings, with the Lavender offering a sleek and minimalist design, and the Phoenix providing a more vibrant and colorful experience. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Phoenix contributes to a clearer and resonant sound profile, emphasizing the importance of housing material in overall keyboard performance.
When it comes to typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the Lavender and the Phoenix play a crucial role. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these distinctions, both keyboards provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, catering to the preferences of users who prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials comes down to personal preference and the desired sound profile for the user's typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, the Lavender has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Phoenix, whose actuation force is unknown. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Lavender requires 53 grams while the Phoenix demands 62 grams. The Lavender is considered medium-light in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Phoenix falls into the medium category for bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Lavender, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Phoenix given its heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer different options to cater to varying preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Lavender has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Phoenix. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a quick and responsive typing or gaming experience. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distances offered by both switches for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Lavender switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offers a unique crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. When it comes to feel, the Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Phoenix switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Phoenix switches differ in sound and feel, they both offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lavender is characterized by its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, perfect for those seeking a satisfying typing experience with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Phoenix stands out with its crunchy sound and polished feel, appealing to individuals looking for a unique and refined typing sensation. Ultimately, whether you choose the Lavender or Phoenix switch will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both switches will provide a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, consider the following guidelines: choose the Lavender switch if you value smoothness and a clacky sound profile, as well as an easy-to-press feel that enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Phoenix switch if you prefer a unique clicky switch with a crystalline sound profile and a polished feel for a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
