Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Maple Leaf mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find distinct differences that cater to varying preferences. The Lavender switch is a linear switch that stands out for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. It offers an easy-to-press feel with a crisp and clacky sound signature, creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch is a tactile switch, although not much information is available about its characteristics. If you value smoothness and a satisfying sound when typing, the Lavender switch may be the ideal choice for you. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches are both designed to create a pleasing and unique sound profile. The Lavender uses POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, which also leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both POM and nylon are known for their ability to absorb sound, but POM may create a slightly sharper sound compared to the rounder sound produced by nylon.
However, if the top and bottom housings are different for a given switch, the overall sound and feel of the switch may be divided between the two materials. In this case, when pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The Lavender's POM bottom housing, for example, may contribute to a deeper bottom-out sound, while the Maple Leaf's nylon bottom housing could create a fuller feel. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing will be more noticeable when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced as the key returns to its original position.
In general, both POM and nylon housing materials offer their own unique benefits in terms of sound profile and feel. While POM may create a slightly sharper sound and feel, nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two materials may come down to personal preference and the specific sound profile that the user is looking to achieve. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, which requires 55 grams to actuate. On the other hand, the Lavender also has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Maple Leaf has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The Lavender switch provides a more medium-light typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile push feel. Overall, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience should opt for the Zuoce Lavender switch, while those who prefer a heavier typing experience should choose the Outemu Maple Leaf switch for similar results.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. In this case, the Maple Leaf switch would be considered the shorter option, albeit only slightly. Both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, ensuring that users will experience similar feedback and performance when using either one. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of the feel and response of the switch.
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 Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10 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
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its crisp and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. The proprietary Ly blend of the Lavender switch ensures a smooth feel right out of the box, making typing effortless and comfortable. The easy-to-press nature of the Lavender switch enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended use.
As for the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, information on its sound and feel qualities is not available at this time. However, based on the characteristics of the Lavender switch, it can be inferred that the Maple Leaf switch may offer a unique tactile feedback and potentially a different sound profile.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch stands out for its smoothness, clacky sound, and easy-to-press feel, making it a top choice for those seeking a satisfying typing experience. While information on the Maple Leaf switch is limited, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best match for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Lavender linear switch or the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you value a smooth typing experience right out of the box with a crisp and clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and prioritize tactile feedback over smoothness, the Maple Leaf switch could be the better option. Consider your typing habits, preferences, and desired feel and sound when making your decision between these two mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what will enhance your typing experience the most.
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