Zuoce Bubblegum vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Zuoce Bubblegum and the TTC Flaming Purple, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The Bubblegum from Gold Grain is known for its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts looking to delve into the innovative side of their hobby. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant and slightly bassy sound signature, coupled with a feathery bottom-out at just 47g, making it effortless to type on. While the Bubblegum is described as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', the Flaming Purple is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. These general pointers give a glimpse into what each switch offers, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you decide on the best switch for your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM+SL
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the TTC Flaming Purple, it's clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their materials. The Bubblegum's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, in contrast to the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This differentiation in sound profiles can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts, with the POM housing providing a more subdued typing experience and the polycarbonate housing offering a crisper sound. However, both switches utilize nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material that absorbs more sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing stands out for its translucency, making it an ideal choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In comparison, the Bubblegum's POM top housing may not offer the same visual appeal for users looking to showcase lighting effects in their keyboards. Despite this difference, both switches benefit from the classic nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent deep and full sound profile regardless of the top housing material. Additionally, the absorption properties of nylon help create a duller and rounder sound, adding to the overall typing experience of both switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the sound and feel of a switch, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Both the Bubblegum and Flaming Purple benefit from this combination of materials, with the POM and polycarbonate top housings offering distinct sound profiles, and the nylon bottom housing contributing to a deep and full typing experience. Ultimately, while there are differences in sound profiles between the two switches, they both provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Bubblegum switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Flaming Purple switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. Both switches offer a light typing experience, making them ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods of time. While the Flaming Purple switch requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Bubblegum switch, the difference is minimal and may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches would be suitable options.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is clear that the Bubblegum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Flaming Purple's 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Bubblegum may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the keypress, the Flaming Purple with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for your preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the individual user.
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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is known for its clacky and sharp key press noise, providing a lively and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a deeper, bassier sound profile with a touch of poppy undertones, creating a resonant and engaging typing sound. Depending on personal preference, the Bubblegum switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a crisp and bright sound, while the Flaming Purple switch would appeal to individuals looking for a richer and bass-heavy typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Bubblegum linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to typing. Conversely, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Both switches aim to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, with the Bubblegum switch focusing on an elastic rebound sensation and the Flaming Purple switch emphasizing a light actuation force for effortless typing.
Considering the available information, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bubblegum switch provides a clacky sound and a bouncy typing experience, the Flaming Purple switch delivers a bassier sound profile and a feathery, effortless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for typing sound and tactile feedback. However, both switches promise an engaging and enjoyable typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts and daily typists alike.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a clacky typing experience with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Bubblegum switch is the way to go. Its lively and bouncy feel, combined with its distinctive sound profile, make it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a unique and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 47 grams, the Flaming Purple switch is the ideal option. With its feathery and easy-to-press nature, as well as its bassier and resonant sound profile, the Flaming Purple switch caters to those looking for a more subtle yet satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and bottom-out force.
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