Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Dareu Dream offer two unique options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Zuoce Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain stands out for its striking colorways and clacky typing feel, making it a popular choice among hobbyists looking for innovation in their keyboards. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switches are known for their light linear design and attractive price point, appealing to those who prioritize ease of pressing keys and affordability. While both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, diving deeper into their characteristics and performance will help you make the best choice for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Dareu Dream both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. While the Bubblegum uses POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound, the Dream utilizes polycarbonate for a sharper, higher-pitched sound with more clarity and resonance. Despite their differences, both materials offer distinct advantages in sound quality, with POM providing a pleasing tone and polycarbonate offering a crisper sound ideal for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Bubblegum and the Dream utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience for users of both switches. While the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when a key is released, showcasing the importance of both materials in the overall sound profile.
Overall, the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Dareu Dream offer unique sound profiles thanks to their distinct housing materials. While the Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a more muted sound compared to the Dream's polycarbonate top housing, both switches benefit from the deeper and fuller sound produced by their nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer the deeper tones of POM or the sharper tones of polycarbonate, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on sound quality.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dareu Dream linear switch's actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Bubblegum switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more sensitive and potentially better suited for rapid typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Bubblegum switch also has a lighter force of 45 grams compared to the Dream switch, which has an unknown bottom out force. This makes the Bubblegum switch more consistent in terms of force required throughout the keystroke process. Overall, if you prefer a lighter touch and smoother typing experience, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch may be the better option, while if you prefer a slightly heavier and more tactile typing experience, the Dareu Dream linear switch could be more suitable.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, the Bubblegum has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dream has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Bubblegum may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Dream provides a more substantial feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness and feel when typing or gaming.
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 Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Dareu Dream switches are described as "clacky," meaning they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This characteristic gives both switches a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that can be pleasing to the ears of enthusiasts. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bubblegum switch is known for its "bouncy" sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that gives the keys a lively feel with a satisfying rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switch offers an "easy-to-press" experience, requiring minimal force to activate the keys, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, the Dream switch is described as having a "mild" feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone of characteristics.
In conclusion, while the Zuoce Bubblegum and Dareu Dream switches may differ slightly in terms of feel, both switches possess the same "clacky" sound profile, making them suitable choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a clicky typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of feel and whether you prefer a bouncy or easy-to-press typing sensation. Regardless of the choice, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound quality with either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and bouncy typing experience with a satisfyingly clacky sound, the Bubblegum switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an easy-to-press switch with a mild feel and an attractive price point, the Dream switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. So, take your time to test out both switches and see which one aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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