Zuoce Lavender vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness due to its proprietary Ly blend, providing a satisfyingly crisp and clacky sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is praised for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, featuring an attractive pink and clear housing. While the Lavender switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Strawberry switch is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. The decision between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, but a deeper dive into their specific characteristics will help you make the best choice for your typing needs. 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
62g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and KTT Strawberry both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Lavender utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Strawberry employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of POM in the Lavender emphasizes a more subdued tone, while polycarbonate in the Strawberry enhances clarity and resonance. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences based on their housing materials, with the Lavender catering to those who prefer a more muted sound and the Strawberry appealing to individuals who enjoy a sharper and crisper sound.
Despite their differences, the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Strawberry share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize either POM or polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in consistent sound profiles throughout. The POM housing of the Lavender creates a unique sound that is on the deeper side, while the polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry offers a sharper and crisper sound. These materials play a significant role in dictating the overall sound experience of each switch, ensuring that users can expect consistent results when typing or gaming with either the Lavender or Strawberry.
The impact of housing materials on switch performance is particularly noticeable when examining the differences between the top and bottom housings. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, each material brings unique qualities to the overall sound profile. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the final output of a switch, whether it be the muted and deep sound of POM in the Lavender or the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate in the Strawberry.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch with an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender requires 53 grams while the Strawberry needs 62 grams, making the Lavender the lighter option overall. The Lavender offers a more medium-light feel, while the Strawberry provides a medium resistance. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Lavender, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier Strawberry switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter distance compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Strawberry's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference may impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 switch offers a crisp and clacky sound, giving each keystroke a satisfying and percussive quality. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch provides a low-pitched tone, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to the Lavender. Depending on your preference for keyboard sound, the Lavender may be more appealing for those who enjoy a sharper and more distinct sound, while the Strawberry may suit those who prefer a mellower and deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the Lavender switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing an extremely smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance and friction. Those who prioritize a smooth and sleek typing feel may find the Strawberry switch more appealing, while the Lavender may suit individuals who prefer a light and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Strawberry switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender excels in providing a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Strawberry stands out for its low-pitched sound and frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a high level of satisfaction and performance, making them reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Lavender or Strawberry, you can expect to achieve similar levels of satisfaction based on your specific preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prioritize a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience right out of the box, opt for the Lavender with its 53-gram bottom out force. The Lavender's clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel make it ideal for users seeking a crisp and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and value a frictionless, silky, and buttery typing feel, the Strawberry with its 62-gram bottom out force is the way to go. The Strawberry's low-pitched sound and smooth actuation make it a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and reliable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience and sound profile you desire.
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