ZRAM vs ZSWAP results tend to vary depending on the spec of the computer. ZSWAP has more efficient use of RAM but there is also a CPU overhead due to the compression. Consequently it tends to be more problematic when used with a weaker CPU.
To be honest, despite being keen on the technical aspect of ZRAM, I really haven't noticed much difference between the two.
You would probably get better results by looking at the programs that are struggling. If you are using the stock Firefox browser the following tweaks make a noticeable difference.
FIREFOX TWEAKS
about:config
extensions.pocket.enabled
set to false
browser.sessionstore.interval
Change from 15000 to 15000000
MOVE FIREFOX NETWORK CACHE INTO RAM - Needs 2 GB OF RAM OR MORE
browser.cache.disk.enable
set to false
browser.cache.memory.enable
set to true
browser.cache.memory.capacity
Change from -1 to 524288 (KB, = 512 MB RAM)
browser.sessionhistory.max_entries
Change from 50 to 25
browser.sessionhistory.max_total_viewers
Change from -1 to 0
browser.sessionstore.max_tabs_undo
Change from 25 to 5
Stop Firefox from installing and running studies.
about:preferences#privacy
Uncheck all the boxes under Firefox Data Collection and Use
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/i-dont-care-about-cookies/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/
The alternative would be to use a browser that is lighter on resources.
Other thoughts.
Using an SSD instead of a spinning disc will free up resources and make everything feel quicker.
Turn off as many OS animations and system sounds as possible.
Make sure your hard drive has good health.
Check that the installed RAM is not faulty.
Not all RAM is equal, slow or mismatched RAM needs to be avoided. Always try to install the fastest RAM that is recommended for your PC.