Zuoce Lavender vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, the Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness and distinct clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silenced typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, ideal for quieter environments. While the Lavender switch is easy-to-press and clacky, the Silent Ink Black is silky, muted, and polished. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. While the Lavender features a POM top housing known for creating a deeper and more muted sound, the Silent Ink Black boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a relatively high-pitched but not overly sharp sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how different housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Lavender and the Silent Ink Black utilize POM and proprietary INK blend materials respectively. The POM bottom housing of the Lavender contributes to its pleasing and unique sound profile, which is characterized by a deep and more muted tone. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black adds to its pointed and higher-pitched sound profile, often described as being clacky. This difference in bottom housing materials highlights how subtle changes in material can lead to distinct typing experiences.
While the Zuoce Lavender and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have different top and bottom housing materials, both switches ultimately aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience to users. The impact of the housing materials is felt differently depending on whether you're pressing down on a key or letting it go. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches demonstrate how thoughtful selection of housing materials can greatly enhance the overall sound and tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lavender switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing feel, with the Lavender being lighter and the Silent Ink Black being heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Lavender has a shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance at 4 mm. The Lavender's shorter travel distance might be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance could be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individuals with specific preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one values a shorter or longer travel distance for their typing or gaming needs.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch produces a muted sound that is softer and quieter, ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Lavender being more lively and pronounced, while the Silent Ink Black is more subdued and unobtrusive.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a silky smooth typing experience, with polished key travel that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. Both switches prioritize a comfortable typing experience, with the Lavender focusing on light actuation and ease of pressing, while the Silent Ink Black emphasizes a refined and polished feel.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, providing a satisfying typing experience that is both responsive and comfortable. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch excels in offering a muted sound profile and a silky smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with refined key travel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different typing styles and comfort levels, ensuring that you can achieve a pleasurable typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your priorities in typing experience. If you value a smooth and clacky typing experience right out of the box with minimal sound feedback, the Zuoce Lavender switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you need a switch that provides a pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal noise for a quieter typing environment, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is the better choice. Ultimately, whether you prefer an easy-to-press and clacky feel or a silky and polished typing experience, both switches offer unique benefits to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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