Zuoce Bubblegum vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Cream Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both of which fall under the linear switch category, there are key differences to consider. The Zuoce Bubblegum switch, manufactured by Gold Grain, boasts a vibrant design and a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts looking for innovation in their keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and lengthened spring. While both switches offer unique features and benefits, determining the best switch for your needs goes beyond these generalities. Let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM+SL
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Cream Yellow both feature unique and distinct housing materials that play a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, whereas the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials offer different sound profiles, the use of POM and polycarbonate in the top housing can affect the overall typing experience, with POM providing a more mellow sound and polycarbonate offering a more vibrant one.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Bubblegum and Cream Yellow utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the unique properties of nylon still play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of each switch. Therefore, even with similar housing materials, subtle differences in the manufacturing process may lead to variations in typing experience between the Bubblegum and Cream Yellow switches.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches results in a unique typing experience for both the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Cream Yellow. While the POM top housing of the Bubblegum provides a distinct sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Yellow offers a contrasting sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing feel and sound. By understanding the properties of each housing material, keyboard enthusiasts can make an informed choice based on their preference for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch. The Bubblegum requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, while the Cream Yellow needs 50 grams to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out. This makes the Bubblegum ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow offers a more substantial push feel, making it suitable for users who prefer a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, the amount of physical movement required to actuate these switches is identical, providing a consistent typing experience across both options. In summary, despite any other differences between the two switches, the travel distance is one aspect where you can expect to get similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Cream Yellow switches are known for their clacky characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This provides a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback for users. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of these switches can also be influenced by other elements such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Bubblegum and Cream Yellow switches offer a bouncy typing experience. Bouncy switches like these provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. This can enhance the overall typing experience for users who enjoy a more tactile response from their mechanical keyboard switches.
In conclusion, while the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Cream Yellow switches may have subtle differences in their sound and feel descriptions, they ultimately offer similar qualities in terms of providing a clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel. As such, users can expect to achieve comparable results in both sound and feel when using either of these switches, making them both viable options for keyboard enthusiasts looking to explore new and innovative switches in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and clacky typing experience, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that best matches your desired typing experience and enjoy exploring the world of mechanical keyboards!
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