Zuoce Lavender vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Purple Star are two that stand out for their unique qualities. The Lavender is praised for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend, creating a crisp and clacky sound signature that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star switches are known for their buttery smooth feel due to their all-POM construction, coupled with a light 45g bottom-out that caters to light typists seeking ease and comfort. While the Lavender is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Purple Star falls under 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press' categories. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and KTT Purple Star both feature POM top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side with a more muted tone. This means that both switches will likely provide a similar auditory experience, with differences possibly being more subtle in nature. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel will be present in both switches, ensuring a consistent tactile response when typing.
However, if there are any differences in the top and bottom housing materials between the two switches, these distinctions could affect the overall typing experience. For instance, if the Lavender has a different material for its bottom housing while the Purple Star maintains a POM bottom housing, there may be a noticeable contrast in tactile feedback between the two switches. The Lavender may offer a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel due to its specific bottom housing material, while the Purple Star could provide a slightly softer bottom-out experience.
In conclusion, while both the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Purple Star share POM top and bottom housings that contribute to a pleasing sound profile, any potential variances in housing materials could result in a discernible disparity in tactile feedback and sound characteristics between the two switches. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, users may find one switch more to their liking over the other based on these subtle differences in housing materials. Ultimately, the key factors to consider when comparing the two switches will be the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that the Lavender has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Purple Star's 43 grams. Similarly, the Lavender has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Purple Star's 50 grams. This makes the Lavender switch slightly heavier overall in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. Both switches fall within the lighter side of the spectrum, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. However, the Lavender switch may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Lavender switch may appeal to gamers who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a deeper key press experience. Both switches offer a unique feel due to their slightly different travel distances, but overall, they provide similar results in terms of key travel and actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and how you prefer your typing or gaming experience to 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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 offers a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. This can create a crisp, bright, and percussive typing experience that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch produces a low-pitched sound, giving off a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during use. The sound differences between the two switches can affect the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for being easy to press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The KTT Purple Star switch, described as mild, provides a gentle typing experience, falling within a middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Additionally, like the Lavender switch, the Purple Star switch is also easy to press, making it a good choice for those looking for a low-impact typing feel.
Considering the information provided, the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Purple Star linear switches exhibit some key differences in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender switch offers a clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, the Purple Star switch provides a low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing comfort. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience but cater to slightly different preferences in terms of sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prioritize a smooth and crisp typing feel with a clacky sound, the Lavender switch with its 53g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 50g bottom out force and a low-pitched sound, the Purple Star switch made of all-POM construction could be the better option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound signature. Choose the one that aligns with your desired typing experience for ultimate satisfaction.
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