Zuoce Lavender vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Pine mechanical keyboard switches, both linear options have unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. The Zuoce Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch stands out for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smoothness, and low-pitched, creamy sound profile. While the Lavender is known for being easy to press and clacky, the Pine excels in its bassy, buttery qualities. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and KTT Pine keyboards have distinct differences in their housing materials. While the Lavender features a POM top housing known for creating a deep and muted sound profile, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a crisper and higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound characteristics reflects the unique properties of each material, with POM offering a more subdued tone compared to the polycarbonate's sharper sound. Despite these differences, both materials are known for their pleasing sound profiles, catering to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of bottom housing, the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Pine keyboards exhibit a similar pattern of contrasting materials like their top housing counterparts. The Lavender's POM bottom housing continues to provide a deep and muted sound profile, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains its crisp and higher-pitched characteristics. This distinction in sound quality is further emphasized by the impact each housing material has on the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the decision between the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Pine housing materials ultimately comes down to individual preferences in sound. While the Lavender offers a more subdued and deep tone with its POM housing, the Pine provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its polycarbonate material. Whether one prefers a more muted sound or a brighter pitch, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to different tastes in keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards will depend on the desired sound profile and typing experience each user is seeking.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is clear that the Lavender is the lighter option with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Pine is the heavier option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Lavender is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Pine provides a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, which some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, providing a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lavender switch has the shorter travel distance compared to the Pine switch. The Lavender switch would be preferred by those who value quicker response times, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Pine switch may be preferred by those who prefer a deeper keystroke feel, as it offers a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding 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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 offers a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch produces a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving a deeper and richer auditory experience. Both switches deliver unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Lavender offering a crisp and bright sound, while the Pine delivers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate the key. This light actuation force provides a responsive and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches aim to provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with the Lavender emphasizing easy activation and the Pine focusing on smooth key travel.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience with gentle resistance. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a medium-heavy feel with a buttery and creamy typing sensation, designed for effortless and uniform key presses. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Lavender and Pine switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, the Pine switch with its bassy and low-pitched sound profile might be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so evaluate what you value most in a switch before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
