Zuoce Bubblegum vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the HMX EMO are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Bubblegum, known for its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky feel, is a top choice for enthusiasts looking for an innovative typing experience. On the other hand, the EMO switch from HMX provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force, making it effortless and smooth. While both switches offer a bouncy feel, the EMO is exceptionally factory-lubed. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the HMX EMO both use different materials for their top and bottom housing, with the Bubblegum featuring a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the EMO has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing of the Bubblegum creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the EMO creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics.
In terms of aesthetics, the EMO's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to be used for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Bubblegum's POM top housing does not offer this feature. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housing in both switches allows for a split in the qualities each material brings to the overall sound profile. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and the HMX EMO will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics. The POM top housing of the Bubblegum provides a unique and pleasing sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the EMO offers a crisper and sharper sound. Both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall sound profile with its ability to absorb sound. Whether it's a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and clearer sound, these housing materials play a crucial role in the overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch are quite similar in terms of being light switches. The Bubblegum switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the EMO switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods of time. However, the slight difference in actuation and bottom out forces may be more noticeable to users who prefer a slightly heavier feel to their keystrokes. In this case, the EMO switch would be slightly heavier than the Bubblegum switch, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. The equal travel distance of both switches makes it difficult to determine which one is shorter or longer, as they provide identical results in terms of key travel.
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 HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch's sound quality is unknown. Depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, the sound of these switches can vary, but the Bubblegum switch is likely to offer a more pronounced and vibrant auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation when keys are pressed. This lively feel gives users a sense of rebound when typing. As for the HMX EMO switch, the feel quality is unspecified. If both switches are similar in this aspect, users can expect a responsive and tactile typing experience that offers a good level of feedback and satisfaction.
Overall, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and HMX EMO linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Bubblegum switch stands out for its striking colorways and clacky typing experience, while the EMO switch impresses with its light bottom-out force and factory lubrication for a smooth and effortless typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced sound or a bouncier feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a clacky and bouncy typing feel with a light bottom-out force, then the Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light bottom-out force and a smooth, satisfying typing experience, the HMX EMO switch is worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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