Zuoce Lavender vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Lavender switch is revered for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying clacky sound signature, making it a top choice for those who prioritize a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a smooth and silent typing experience, perfect for those seeking a quiet switch for office or shared living space use. While the Lavender switch is easy-to-press and clacky, the Silent Red switch is buttery, mild, muted, and polished. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a silent typing experience. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
The housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and TTC Silent Red switches offer different sound profiles and characteristics. The Lavender's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Red results in a more resonant sound profile compared to the POM material used in the Lavender. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Lavender's POM housing continues to provide a deep and muted sound, while the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to a duller sound profile compared to POM. This difference in sound characteristics between the bottom housing materials of the two switches adds variety to the overall typing experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and TTC Silent Red switches differ, they both impact the sound profile and feel of the switches in unique ways. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing the key. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Lavender switch has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Silent Red switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. The difference in actuation force is minimal, so typing on both switches would feel similar in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Red switch would provide a more substantial typing experience compared to the Lavender switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Lavender has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Lavender has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Red. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more solid and satisfying key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for 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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound profile, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Lavender switch may be more satisfying for those who enjoy a crisp and percussive noise, while the Silent Red switch is ideal for those who prefer a softer and quieter typing experience in shared environments.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses for a comfortable typing experience with minimal force required to activate. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, with a mild and polished feel that is approachable to most users. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more responsive typing feel, the Lavender switch may be more suited to your preferences. However, if you enjoy a seamless and uniform typing sensation with reduced friction, the Silent Red switch could be the better choice for you.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound signature, making each keystroke a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a quieter typing experience with a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, perfect for office or shared living spaces. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, with both switches offering a high-quality typing experience that can enhance your overall typing performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a smooth and clacky typing experience right out of the box, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent and buttery typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Silent Red switch could be more suitable, especially for office or shared living space use. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as sound profile, typing feel, and intended usage to ensure you choose the switch that best fits your individual needs and preferences.
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