Zuoce Lavender vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender and Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches known for their smoothness and pleasant typing experience. The Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness straight out of the box, offering a crisp and clacky sound signature that makes each keystroke satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is also known for its smooth typing experience, with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. The Lavender switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', while the Piano switch is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky'. Ultimately, when choosing between these two switches, consider your preference for sound and feel while typing. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and Durock Piano switches both feature POM material in their housings, which is known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile. While the exact details of the POM blend used in the Piano's housing are unknown, both switches offer a deep and satisfying sound. The Lavender's POM top and bottom housings contribute to a sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, providing a consistent auditory experience throughout key presses.
The differences in housing materials between the Zuoce Lavender and Durock Piano switches may also result in varying tactile feedback and sound profiles during key presses. The quality of the bottom housing, which has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, may differ between the switches based on their proprietary POM blends. Conversely, the top housing of each switch will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key, adding to the overall tactile experience of typing on these switches.
Despite the potential variations in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and Durock Piano switches are likely to provide a similar level of satisfaction in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The utilization of POM material in their top and bottom housings ensures a consistent and pleasing sound, with differences in blend potentially offering unique characteristics to each switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a deep and satisfying typing experience that is sure to please enthusiasts looking for a high-quality mechanical switch.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Zuoce Lavender has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Durock Piano, whose actuation force is unknown. When it comes to bottom out force, the Zuoce Lavender requires 53 grams of force while the Durock Piano needs 63.5 grams. This makes the Zuoce Lavender a lighter option overall, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Piano offers a heavier typing experience, catering to users who prefer a more substantial push feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their distinct actuation and bottom out forces, but if the actuation forces were the same, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and the desired amount of force needed for each keystroke.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender has a shorter travel distance, making it preferable for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Piano has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keypress feel for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Lavender being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress 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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switch offers a clacky and sharp noise when pressed, providing a crisp and bright sound that adds a satisfying percussion to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch gives off a deep and creamy bassy sound, offering a richer and lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance and a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Durock Piano switch provides a frictionless and silky smooth typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, offering a fluid travel that enhances the overall typing feel. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences for key feel.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender and Durock Piano switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that can cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Lavender excels in providing a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Piano stands out for its deep bassy sound and frictionless, silky smooth feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and key feel, both switches can provide a high-quality typing experience that is sure to please newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, trying out both switches and experimenting with different setups will help determine which switch best suits individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a crisp, clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, the Zuoce Lavender switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a deep, creamy sound with a frictionless and silky typing feel, the Durock Piano switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Mentioned in this article
