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Zuoce Lavender vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Zuoce Lavender and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, providing a satisfyingly crisp and clacky sound signature with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch boasts a deep and thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Lavender switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Tourmaline Blue switch is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own strengths and are enjoyable for a wide range of users. 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

59g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

67g

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

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

21mm double-staged spring

Spring

Gold-plated

Housing materials

The Zuoce Lavender and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize different housing materials in their top and bottom housing components. The Lavender features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Lavender and the Tourmaline Blue offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the POM housing of the Lavender provides a more subdued sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue offers a clearer and more resonant sound. However, both materials offer their own benefits and can be appreciated for the distinctive qualities they bring to the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a softer, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper tone, both switches provide options for users to customize their typing experience.

In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate housings in the Tourmaline Blue allows for a translucent design that is ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the opaque POM housings of the Lavender may not offer the same visual appeal for those looking to enhance their setup with colorful lighting. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, tactile feel, and visual design. Regardless of the material chosen, both the Lavender and the Tourmaline Blue offer high-quality components that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Lavender is lighter in both aspects compared to the Tourmaline Blue. The Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that the Lavender switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch would appeal to individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Lavender providing a lighter touch and the Tourmaline Blue offering a heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Both options fall within the range of common travel distances, with the Tourmaline Blue being on the traditional side and the Lavender leaning towards the shallower end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing or gaming 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.

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 switch offers a crisp and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a rich and enjoyable typing experience. While the Lavender switch is more on the sharp and snappy side, the Tourmaline Blue switch falls more into the neutral category, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired sound experience, with the Lavender offering a crisper sound and the Tourmaline Blue providing a deeper and more immersive typing sound.

When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience. The light actuation force of the Lavender switch allows for effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. With a mild typing sensation, the Tourmaline Blue switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle and approachable typing feel that is enjoyable for most users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel, with the Lavender switch focusing on easy-to-press actuation and the Tourmaline Blue switch providing a buttery and uniform typing sensation.

Overall, both the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender switch excels in providing a crisp and clacky sound signature along with an easy-to-press typing feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile paired with a buttery and mild typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to a wide range of users. Whether opting for the sharp and snappy sound of the Lavender switch or the deep and immersive sound of the Tourmaline Blue switch, newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches are sure to find a switch that suits their typing style and preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch would be an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and easy-to-press feel make it a great option for those who value smoothness and responsiveness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be more suitable for you. Its buttery feel and balanced spring weight offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force, ensuring that you choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.

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