Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro are two options that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Bubblegum switch by Gold Grain stands out with its colorful design and delivers a clacky typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking for something unique and vibrant. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro from Akko is a budget-friendly option that offers a smooth and easy-to-press feel with a satisfyingly clacky sound. While the Bubblegum switch is perfect for those seeking a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a feathery and polished feel. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a more muted and deeper sound compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of POM in the Bubblegum results in a pleasing and unique sound, while the polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, adding to the visual appeal of the switch.
Both switches also feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a combination of qualities when typing on the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may have different housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles based on the properties of their materials. The Bubblegum's POM and nylon housing create a more muted and deeper sound, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate and nylon housing produce a sharper and fuller sound. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, catering to different preferences for typing experiences.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro with an actuation force of 50 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Bubblegum requires 45 grams, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro needs 60 grams, indicating that the latter provides a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Bubblegum would be the better choice. However, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key press may find the V3 Cream Yellow Pro to be more satisfying. Both switches offer different levels of force to cater to varying preferences, ensuring that users can find the one that best suits their typing style.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Bubblegum being slightly longer than the Cream Yellow Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Bubblegum with its 3.5 mm travel distance, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Cream Yellow Pro with its 3.3 mm travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing users with a quick and responsive typing experience.
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 Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 Zuoce Bubblegum switch is known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch's sound profile is not specified. The sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors including the keyboard, keycaps, and even the environment in which it is used.
When it comes to feel, the Bubblegum switch is characterized as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses with a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue. The Cream Yellow Pro switch is also noted for being feathery, snappy, and polished, further enhancing the typing experience with a smooth and refined key travel.
When considering all the available information, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, making it ideal for those seeking an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch appeals to budget-conscious enthusiasts with its poppy, clacky sound and smooth, easy-to-press feel. While the specific sound profile of the Cream Yellow Pro switch is not detailed, it offers a vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel, catering to a different set of preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, and users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either choice, depending on their preferred sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, it all boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light bottom out force and a clacky typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Bubblegum switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, easy-to-press keys with a feathery and snappy feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics and cater to different preferences, so make sure to test them out and see which one aligns better with your typing preferences. Happy typing!
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