Zuoce Lavender vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, you are presented with two unique options that cater to different preferences. The Lavender switch boasts exceptional smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a delicate tactility without overwhelming the user, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switch allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding an extra element of customization to your setup. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Durock White Lotus, it is clear that both switches prioritize creating a unique and pleasing sound profile. The Lavender's POM top housing and the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing both aim to offer a premium feel to users. However, the Lavender's POM top housing provides a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the White Lotus's top housing offers a sound profile that is unique and stands out. In terms of bottom housing, the Lavender utilizes POM material, while the White Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing. The POM material in the Lavender switch offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the nylon material in the White Lotus switch creates a fuller and deeper sound.
Despite the differences in the top and bottom housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Durock White Lotus, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users. The POM bottom housing of the Lavender switch contributes to a deeper and pleasing sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus offers a fuller sound experience. The impact of bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is emphasized in both switches, highlighting the importance of having a quality material in this area. Additionally, the impact of the top housing material is significant when releasing a key, showcasing the attention to detail in the design of these switches.
Overall, while the Zuoce Lavender and the Durock White Lotus differ in their choice of housing materials, they both prioritize creating a premium typing experience for users. The POM top housing of the Lavender switch provides a unique and deep sound, while the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus offers a luxurious feel. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Lavender switch and the nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus both contribute to a fuller and more substantial sound profile. Despite these variations, both switches showcase the importance of top and bottom housing materials in creating a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it's evident that both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender switch has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, slightly heavier than the White Lotus switch, which has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. While both switches are relatively light and would appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the slight difference in force may be noticeable to those who have a preference for a specific weight. Individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the White Lotus switch due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lavender. In general, a longer travel distance can give a more satisfying key press with a greater sense of depth, while a shorter travel distance can provide faster response times, which is preferred by gamers. However, both switches fall within the range of a traditional travel distance, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 stands out with its characteristic clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of environments. Depending on your preference for sound, the Lavender provides a crisp and bright noise, while the White Lotus offers a more subdued and soothing typing experience.
As for the feel, both the Lavender and White Lotus switches share similarities in being easy-to-press, with gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing efficiency and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the mild and subtle characteristics of the White Lotus switch provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise level is a concern. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing feel that prioritizes user comfort.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and Durock White Lotus tactile switch each have unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Lavender boasts a clacky sound signature and easy-to-press design, the White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound profile with gentle resistance for a tranquil typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you opt for the Lavender or White Lotus, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box, the Lavender switch is the way to go. It offers a satisfying typing experience with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. On the other hand, if you seek a delicate tactility with a balance that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, along with the added benefit of vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switch is the better choice for you. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 56 grams, the White Lotus offers a tranquil typing experience and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose the Lavender for smoothness and clackiness, or opt for the White Lotus for a delicate tactility and ambient lighting effects.