Zuoce Lavender vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Zuoce Lavender and Gazzew U4T are two popular options to consider. The Lavender is a linear switch best known for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T is a tactile switch that offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, delivering both auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. While the Lavender is characterized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the U4T is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp'. Both switches have their own unique appeal, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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 Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and Gazzew U4T both feature top and bottom housings made of different materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Lavender boasts POM top and bottom housings, known for creating a deep and pleasing sound that is relatively muted. In contrast, the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing, delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the choice of housing material ultimately influences the sound and feel of each keystroke.
One key difference between the Lavender and U4T is the specific material used for their top and bottom housings. The Lavender utilizes POM for both, emphasizing a deep and unique sound profile that is more subdued. On the other hand, the U4T employs a special Gazzew blend material for both housings, resulting in a rich and soft sound when typing. Despite their different housing materials, both switches aim to deliver a pleasing typing experience with their distinct sound characteristics, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While the Lavender and U4T utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to create a satisfying typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The POM top and bottom housings of the Lavender produce a deeper and more muted sound, while the Gazzew blend housings of the U4T offer a rich and soft sound profile. Although the specific materials may differ, both switches strive to provide a pleasant auditory and tactile experience for users, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch with an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the U4T is heavier at 65 grams, while the Lavender is slightly lighter at 53 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Lavender may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier bottom out force of the U4T provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different experiences based on the preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Lavender falling on the lighter side and the U4T on the heavier side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Lavender's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the U4T's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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 clacky experience with a sharp and snappy sound upon each key press. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch provides a bassy 'thock' sound profile that is deep and rich, accompanied by a satisfying tactile feedback. While the Lavender leans towards a brighter and more percussive sound, the U4T delivers a lower frequency range akin to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct and pleasing auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation, resulting in a gentle resistance that enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T switch boasts a sharp tactile bump that provides intense feedback with each key press, offering a distinct and crisp tactile experience. The difference in feel between the two switches lies in the ease of actuation and the intensity of the tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer either a light and effortless typing experience or a more pronounced tactile response.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch each offer unique qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a clacky sound profile with an easy-to-press feel or a bassy 'thock' sound with sharp tactile feedback, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Lavender linear switch or the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and clacky typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Lavender may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bassy thock sound profile, paired with a strong and sharp tactile feedback and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the U4T could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so experiment with both to determine which one suits your typing needs best.
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