Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Aflion Foggy Shadow. The Bubblegum, a linear switch from Gold Grain, stands out for its vibrant colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, offers a light tactile bump and a medium weight that strikes a balance between performance and comfort. While the Bubblegum provides a more engaging and lively typing experience, the Foggy Shadow offers a more neutral and subtle tactile feedback. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Aflion Foggy Shadow both feature unique and distinct housing materials for their switches. The Bubblegum utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Foggy Shadow results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a colorful element to the overall look of the switch.
On the other hand, both the Bubblegum and the Foggy Shadow feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, making typing on switches with nylon bottom housings a pleasant and satisfying experience. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and tactile feedback when typing on either the Bubblegum or Foggy Shadow.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Aflion Foggy Shadow both showcase how the qualities of housing materials affect the overall typing experience. While the top housing impacts the sound when the key is released, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Whether it's the deeper and muted sound of POM in the Bubblegum or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Foggy Shadow, each housing material contributes to a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences and needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch differ significantly. The Bubblegum requires an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. In comparison, the Foggy Shadow's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Bubblegum make it suitable for those seeking a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force weights.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is the same at 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a moderate amount of travel for a comfortable key press. With identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches provides a balance between key travel and tactile feedback, making them suitable choices for both typing and gaming purposes.
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 Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
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. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments and purposes. Depending on your preference for a clacky or neutral sound, both switches provide distinctive auditory experiences that can enhance your typing satisfaction.
Moving on to feel, the Bubblegum switch is lauded for its bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback that gives the keys a lively and elastic feel, providing rebound when pressed. Unfortunately, details about the tactile feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch are not provided in the information given. However, with its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, it can be inferred that the Foggy Shadow may offer a responsive and balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and comfortable for extended periods of use.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch shines in its clacky sound profile and bouncy feel, providing a unique and engaging typing experience for enthusiasts looking for a tactile response. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a light tactile bump, catering to individuals seeking a more subdued yet tactile typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Bubblegum and Foggy Shadow switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a light and clacky typing experience with a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight tactile switch with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a very light tactile bump, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch could be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a sharp and snappy sound, the Bubblegum switch is known for its clacky sound profile. However, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound, the Foggy Shadow switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and feel.
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