Durock Blue Lotus vs. Zuoce Bubblegum
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Zuoce Bubblegum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Zuoce Bubblegum offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus is praised for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, with a slightly reduced travel distance for a snappy feel. It also features vibrant RGB illumination, making it not only functional but visually captivating as well. On the other hand, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch stands out for its clacky typing experience, appealing to keyboard enthusiasts looking for something different. While the Blue Lotus is known for its accentuated and bassy feel, the Bubblegum switch offers a bouncy sensation. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that make them appealing choices for different 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Zuoce Bubblegum both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which helps absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic is shared by both switches, allowing for a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Blue Lotus uses a modified PC and UPE blend, while the Bubblegum utilizes POM. The Blue Lotus's housing material gives it a unique and premium feel, which may impact the sound produced when releasing a key. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Bubblegum creates an incredibly pleasing sound profile on the deeper side, with a relatively more muted tone. This difference in top housing material can result in variations in overall sound and feel between the two switches.
In summary, while both the Durock Blue Lotus and Zuoce Bubblegum share the qualities of a nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials differ, leading to variations in sound and feel. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing provide a unique and premium feel, while the Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their use of nylon for the bottom housing, ultimately catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum switch is lighter in both aspects. The Blue Lotus has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Bubblegum has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the Bubblegum offers a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference, with some preferring the lighter touch for longer typing sessions and others opting for the heavier resistance for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch play a significant role in the typing experience they provide.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch boasts a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are currently popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. However, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Bubblegum, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for the specific travel distance and feel desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
The Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, providing a satisfying and accented typing experience. The sound produced by the Blue Lotus is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for RGB illumination, these switches are a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile feel with a visually appealing design.
On the other hand, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain offers a clacky typing experience, known for its sharp and snappy sound profile. The Bubblegum switch provides a bouncy feel, giving keys a spring-like sensation and lively rebound when pressed. With two eye-catching colorways, this switch appeals to keyboard enthusiasts looking to explore innovative options within the hobby.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Zuoce Bubblegum switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus provides a tactile and responsive typing experience with a bassy sound profile, while the Bubblegum switch delivers a clacky feel with a bouncy feedback sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience with a slightly reduced travel distance, the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clacky typing sound that offers a bouncy and lively feel, the Bubblegum switch could be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve. Choose the switch that aligns best with your individual preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience tailored to your liking.
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