Zuoce Lavender vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and Jwick Taro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lavender, a linear switch, is praised for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying clacky sound signature right out of the box. On the other hand, the Taro, a tactile switch, provides a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. The Lavender is easy-to-press and clacky, while the Taro is described as neutral, buttery, and stepped. Each switch has its own advantages, but deciding on the best switch for you may require delving deeper into the specifics beyond these generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Jwick Taro, it is clear that they offer distinct sound profiles due to the differences in their top and bottom housing materials. The Lavender, with its POM top and bottom housing, provides a deeper and relatively more muted sound, creating a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing result in a sharper, higher-pitched sound for a crisper typing experience. The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings allows for a balance of qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and Jwick Taro prioritize providing a pleasing and unique sound experience for users. The POM top housing of the Lavender and the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro each offer a distinctive sound profile, with the POM creating a deeper tone and the polycarbonate producing a sharper, crisper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Taro and the POM bottom housing of the Lavender contribute to the switches' overall sound profiles by providing different levels of absorption and resonance. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Zuoce Lavender and Jwick Taro plays a significant role. The translucency of polycarbonate, as seen in the Taro's top housing, allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing option for users who enjoy customizing their keyboards. On the other hand, the use of POM in the Lavender's housing materials ensures a more muted sound profile, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches showcase how the selection of housing materials can impact not only the sound but also the overall design and user experience of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Taro tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, although the actuation force is unknown. The Lavender is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, the Taro switch offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Lavender being lighter and the Taro being heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see that the Lavender has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The Lavender is slightly shorter than the Taro, but the difference of 0.3 mm may not be noticeable to everyone. Those who prefer a more abrupt key press may lean towards the Lavender, while those who enjoy a slightly deeper feel may prefer the Taro. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that is suited for fast-paced typing or gaming.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 offers a clacky and sharp sound signature, providing a distinctly satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch produces a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various purposes. Both switches excel in sound quality, albeit in different ways, so your choice will depend on your preference for a more pronounced or subtle typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Lavender switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal force for activation and enhancing the typing experience with low-impact and responsive feedback. Conversely, the Taro switch provides a buttery and smooth keystroke experience with a stepped tactile feel, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches deliver a comfortable typing experience but cater to different preferences regarding tactility and keypress resistance.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender switch offers a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Taro switch provides a neutral sound and buttery tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices depending on the type of typing experience you prefer, ensuring that you'll get satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Lavender switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a cozy typing feel with medium-level tactility and crisp clacks, the Taro switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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