I believe I have experienced both ZL switch types, although it's all relative and very difficult to describe the feeling of a switch in writing... with that disclaimer, I don't think there is that much difference between the two unless you have them side by side or are very familiar with one type of switch and then try the other... I don't think the "softer" switch would be noticeably easier to activate in the pocket since it is still the smaller, more recessed switch... certainly nothing like the SC51 switch that was very easy to activate and kept me from ever considering the light an EDC (I know it can be locked out).
You may want to consider this an opportunity to try a neutral tint... it will be nearly impossible to detect the slight loss in lumens and you may find that it greatly increase your enjoyment while walking your dog (especially if you walk near any grass/flowers/foliage). When I let my dog out for his final bathroom break of the night, I usually grab my old Neutron 1A/14500 that has a very warm, incandescent-like tint that makes me happy before bedtime.
Before you make your final decision, you may also want to consider the SC62w... unless you absolutely want the AA format or need it to be as small as possible. It is not much bigger than the SC52 and has a massive increase in output on high, or you can use it at the more reasonable 326 lumen mode for over 3 hours... I own a SC52w, H52Fw, and SC62w and use them all regularly for different purposes/environments.