Zuoce Lavender vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Wine Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is celebrated for its pillowy light feel and deep, rich sound profile, making typing a delightfully tactile experience. While the Lavender switch may appeal to those who prefer easy-to-press keys with a clacky noise, the Wine Red switch is ideal for those who enjoy a bassy, low-pitched sound. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and KTT Wine Red both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Lavender's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of POM in the Lavender provides a unique sound experience, whereas the use of polycarbonate in the Wine Red offers a distinct, clear resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Wine Red allows for RGB lighting, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Wine Red, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience. The POM top and bottom housing of the Lavender creates a cohesive and deep sound profile, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Wine Red produces a sharp and crisp sound. While the Lavender's sound may be more muted, the Wine Red's sound is more resonant and clear due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Overall, both switches offer a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences, making them suitable for a variety of typing experiences.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Wine Red, it is evident that each housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of POM in the Lavender and polycarbonate in the Wine Red are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound profile when pressing down and letting go of a key. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some differences to consider. The Lavender has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams, making the Wine Red the lighter option in terms of initial push. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender requires 53 grams while the Wine Red needs 55 grams, making the Lavender slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall into the category of medium-light switches, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. If a lighter feel is preferred for extended typing sessions, the Wine Red may be the better choice. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Lavender may offer a more satisfying push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a slightly deeper feel with its longer travel distance, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is best known for its clacky and crisp sound signature, providing a sharp and satisfyingly percussive sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and rich auditory experience during typing sessions. While the Lavender has a distinct clacky sound, the Wine Red presents a more soothing and bass-heavy tone, catering to different preferences in sound feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Unfortunately, specific information on the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not provided in the given details. However, considering its pillowy light type feel mentioned earlier, it can be inferred that the Wine Red switch may also provide a comfortable typing experience, possibly with a soft and cushioned feel similar to the Lavender.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its smoothness and clacky sound profile, coupled with its easy-to-press and low-impact typing feel. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers an intoxicating sound and potentially a pillowy light type feel, catering to users who prefer a deeper and richer auditory experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, and ultimately the choice between them would depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel. Regardless of the choice, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you value a crisp and clacky sound with a smooth typing experience right out of the box, the Lavender switch with its 53-gram bottom out force may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile with a pillowy light typing feel, the Wine Red switch with its 55-gram bottom out force could be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and typing experience.
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