Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between linear and tactile switches can greatly impact your typing experience. The Zuoce Lavender, a linear switch, is praised for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, offers a light-medium amount of tactility with a unique bottom-out sound and a higher-pitched top-out sound. While the Lavender is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Red Panda falls under 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. Each switch has its own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
No
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
Both the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Red Panda utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinctive sound profiles. The Lavender's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing is more translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM bottom housing offers a unique sound profile with a deeper tone, while the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences, both the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Red Panda housing materials play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The split between the top and bottom housings affects the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings emphasizes the importance of choosing the right materials for both components to achieve the desired typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Red Panda housing materials offer contrasting sound profiles, they both contribute to creating a unique typing experience. The choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing, and nylon for the bottom housing, reflects the preference for either a deeper and muted sound or a sharper and clearer sound. Understanding how these materials interact with each other and with the overall design of the switches is essential in selecting the right switch for individual preferences and needs.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force and bottom out force than the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch. The Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Lavender may be the better option. However, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the slightly heavier touch of the Red Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While the 0.1 mm may seem negligible, some users may notice a difference in the feeling of actuation between the two switches. The Lavender switch may provide a slightly deeper key press experience, while the Red Panda switch may feel slightly more responsive due to the shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable key press and will result in similar performance.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 is known for its clacky and sharp sound signature, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a thocky sound with a deep and satisfying tone that resonates with each key press. Both switches provide unique auditory feedback, with the Lavender delivering a clackier sound and the Red Panda offering a bassier bottom-out sound and a higher-pitched top-out sound.
Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is recognized for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a mild and approachable typing feel, falling into a safe middle-ground zone that is comfortable for most users. While the Lavender switch focuses on low-impact typing with minimal resistance, the Red Panda switch offers a more balanced tactile response that is suitable for a wide range of typing preferences.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it's clear that both the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper and clackier sound with easy key presses, the Lavender switch is the way to go. Alternatively, if you enjoy a deep and satisfying thocky sound alongside a mild and comfortable typing feel, the Red Panda switch is more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility, a bassier bottom out sound, and a mild typing experience, the Red Panda switch with its medium bottom out force could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make your decision based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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