Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum switch and the Gateron Ink Red switch are both popular choices in the mechanical keyboard community, each offering its own unique features. The Bubblegum switch, known for its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, is a top pick for enthusiasts looking to add a touch of innovation to their setup. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch stands out for its lower actuation force, smooth feel, and crisp sound profile, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. While the Bubblegum switch is characterized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', the Ink Red switch is described as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM+SL
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Ink Red both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bubblegum utilizes a POM top housing which delivers a deep and relatively muted sound, while the Ink Red features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing known for its pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience with distinct characteristics. The Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and deeper sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing also contributes to a high-pitched and clacky sound that adds a unique touch to the typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Bubblegum and Ink Red switches offer contrasting sound profiles, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housings allows for a distinctive tactile feel and sound output when using these switches. When pressing down on the Bubblegum switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing become apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the key. In comparison, the Gateron Ink Red switch showcases the characteristics of its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, contributing to the overall clacky and high-pitched sound that is often associated with this switch.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Gateron Ink Red switches both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, the Ink Red's INK blend top housing delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound that is equally satisfying. The nylon bottom housing of the Bubblegum contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red enhances the high-pitched and pointed sound characteristics of this switch. Overall, both switches provide a distinct typing experience that is sure to please enthusiasts looking for unique sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum is lighter in both aspects. The Bubblegum has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. In contrast, the Ink Red has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Ink Red, while those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Bubblegum. Both switches provide unique experiences tailored to individual preferences, with the Bubblegum offering a lighter touch for extended typing sessions and the Ink Red delivering a more pronounced keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Bubblegum being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Bubblegum for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more tactile and deep keystroke may lean towards the Ink Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This sound is described as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an extra level of satisfaction to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a more neutral sound profile with a hint of chirpiness, providing a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Bubblegum being more on the clacky side and the Ink Red offering a mix of neutral with a hint of chirpiness.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation with lively feedback and rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering a refined key travel. It also falls under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback, with the Bubblegum being bouncy and lively, and the Ink Red being smooth and polished.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a more clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch might be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile with a hint of chirpiness and a silky smooth typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is a great choice. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference for sound and feel. However, it's worth noting that both switches are excellent linear options that provide a satisfying typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, consider your typing style and preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience with a bouncy feel and a clacky sound, the Bubblegum switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a moderate actuation force and a silky, polished feel, the Ink Red switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what matters most to you when making your decision. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing needs and enjoy a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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