Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Yellow Silver both offer unique characteristics worth considering. The Lavender is praised for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend, which results in a crisp and clacky sound signature that enhances typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver by Outemu is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. While the Lavender is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Yellow Silver is categorized as 'Neutral'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Yellow Silver, one can see clear differences in their sound profiles. The Lavender, with its POM top and bottom housing, offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a pleasing and unique typing experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver, featuring a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, giving a crisper typing feel. The difference in stiffness between POM and polycarbonate contributes significantly to the distinct sound profiles of these switches.
While the Lavender and Yellow Silver may differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The POM top housing of the Lavender results in a more muted sound, creating a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly ideal for those who enjoy a sharper typing feel. Despite these differences, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, each with its own distinct sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Yellow Silver will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel. The softer POM bottom housing of the Lavender offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing feel. Whether one prefers a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper typing experience, both switches provide quality housing materials that contribute to a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both fall under the category of medium-light switches in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, slightly heavier than the Yellow Silver which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Lavender may feel slightly lighter during use compared to the Yellow Silver. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use, the Lavender may be the preferred choice. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Yellow Silver for its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with minimal fatigue, making them suitable choices for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lavender switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Yellow Silver switch. The Lavender switch would be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch, with its longer travel distance, would be favored by individuals who appreciate a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, catering to the preferences of different users.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. This can create a satisfying and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether for gaming or typing purposes. The sound produced by both switches can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, leading to a personalized auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring a light actuation force. This can result in a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. As for the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, information on its specific feel is unavailable. However, given its light actuation force, it may also provide a responsive typing feel similar to the Lavender switch.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch excels in providing a smooth and clacky typing experience with its easy-to-press nature, ideal for those seeking a tactile and satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, catering to users who prioritize speediness and responsiveness in their typing or gaming endeavors. Ultimately, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience, with slight variations in sound and feel that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch would be an excellent choice for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that is suitable for both gaming and typing, the Yellow Silver switch would be more ideal. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and intended use, ensuring a customized experience tailored to your needs. Happy typing!
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