Durock Black Lotus vs. Zuoce Bubblegum
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Zuoce Bubblegum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Zuoce Bubblegum are both popular options with their own unique features. The Black Lotus offers a silky smooth feel with unparalleled precision, reducing wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantial and easy to press. On the other hand, the Bubblegum switch by Gold Grain stands out with its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking to explore new possibilities. 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM+SL
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Zuoce Bubblegum switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium and unique feel, while the Bubblegum utilizes a POM top housing that creates a pleasing, deep, and relatively muted sound profile. In terms of bottom housing, both switches use nylon, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties.
While both the Black Lotus and Bubblegum switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the difference lies in their top housing materials. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium and unique feel, while the Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. These differences in top housing material may lead to variations in the overall typing experience, with the Black Lotus potentially providing a more premium feel and the Bubblegum offering a distinct sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Zuoce Bubblegum switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in top housing materials results in unique typing experiences. If you enjoy a switch with a premium feel, the Black Lotus may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a deeper and more muted sound profile, the Bubblegum could be the ideal choice. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch offer different weight options for users to consider. The Black Lotus has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In comparison, the Bubblegum has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. The Black Lotus requires a heavier push for keystrokes, while the Bubblegum offers a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bubblegum, which means it may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper press. On the other hand, the Bubblegum offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black Lotus leaning towards the longer end and the Bubblegum towards the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Zuoce Bubblegum has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bubblegum for $2.30.
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 Durock Black Lotus is known for providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, with a satisfying lack of any distracting noise. On the other hand, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is described as producing a sharp and snappy clacky sound when pressed, adding a bit more auditory feedback to your typing. Ultimately, the sound of both switches will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used, but if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Black Lotus may be the better choice.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus is revered for its silky smooth typing experience, with a buttery keystroke that minimizes resistance for effortless typing. The switch falls under the mild category, providing a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Black Lotus is often described as having a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy feedback, offering a spring-like sensation when keys are pressed. This lively feel can add a bit of bounce to your typing experience, making it a unique choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic feel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Black Lotus and Zuoce Bubblegum switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus provides a smooth and quiet typing experience with its silky and polished feel, while the Bubblegum switch delivers a clacky sound and bouncy feel for a more tactile typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the quiet precision of the Black Lotus or the lively feedback of the Bubblegum switch. Regardless of choice, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing pleasure.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, a silky smooth feel with reduced wobble, and a unique in-switch lighting feature, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, and a bouncy feedback sensation, the Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain could be the perfect fit for your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience.
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