Zuoce Bubblegum vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum switch, known for its striking colorways and satisfying clacky typing experience, is a linear switch categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy'. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a subtle tactile bump and a subdued sound profile, perfect for those who value understated tactile experiences. Categorized as 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', and 'Stepped', this switch allows typists to stay in the zone with minimal distraction. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Bubblegum providing an innovative clacky feel and the Gold Brown Pro offering a more nuanced and immersive typing experience. 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM+SL
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum's housing materials offer a unique combination of POM for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing maintains a deeper and fuller sound.
Both the Bubblegum and the Gold Brown Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the difference lies in the top housing material. The Bubblegum's POM top housing offers a more muted sound compared to the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Aesthetically, the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visually striking element to the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and TTC Gold Brown Pro play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing for a deeper sound, the choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing will result in distinct audio experiences. The POM top housing of the Bubblegum offers a more subdued sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro delivers a crisper sound. Ultimately, the balance between the two housing materials in each switch influences the overall typing experience and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Bubblegum is the lighter option. The Bubblegum has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. Both switches require a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Bubblegum offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, which may appeal to those looking for a softer typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Bubblegum may appeal to those looking for a more responsive typing experience, particularly gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular in the keyboard market, catering to various preferences for typing feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and 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 TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 the sound produced by the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch, it is described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep, rich tone that is satisfying to the ears. While the Bubblegum switch is more on the louder side with its clacky nature, the Gold Brown Pro switch offers a more subdued and neutral sound, making it ideal for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred.
In terms of feel, the Bubblegum switch is characterized as bouncy, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal friction. The Gold Brown Pro switch provides a balanced and approachable typing feel that is suitable for a wide range of users and preferences.
Considering the subjective qualities of both switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Bubblegum switch provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback, the Gold Brown Pro switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound with a polished and silky feel that is subtle and mild. Whether you prefer a louder, more tactile typing experience or a quieter, smoother feel, both switches cater to different preferences and can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. You should opt for the Bubblegum switch if you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly clacky typing experience with eye-catching colorways. It is ideal for those who want a more pronounced tactile feedback with a lively, bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro switch is the right choice for individuals seeking a subtle, nuanced tactile experience with a background presence. It offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a subdued sound profile, perfect for staying focused on your tasks without distractions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more vibrant and lively typing sensation with the Bubblegum switch or a polished and understated tactile experience with the Gold Brown Pro switch.
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