Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum and Gateron Ink Yellow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The Bubblegum, known for its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, is a prime choice for enthusiasts looking to explore innovative options in the mechanical keyboard world. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a smoother and shorter travel experience, making it ideal for those who desire a typing feel between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. While the Bubblegum is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', the Ink Yellow is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own advantages and it ultimately depends on 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
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 Gateron Ink Yellow both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. While the Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a higher-pitched yet satisfying clacky sound. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on the top housing material used. However, the difference in sound profiles might appeal to different preferences, with the Bubblegum providing a more subdued typing experience compared to the sharper sound of the Ink Yellow.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Zuoce Bubblegum features a nylon housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. Both switches leverage their unique bottom housing materials to enhance the overall sound and feel of typing. The differences in bottom housing materials cater to varied preferences, with the Bubblegum offering a rounder and duller sound compared to the sharper and clacky sound of the Ink Yellow.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Gateron Ink Yellow ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound profiles. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of each switch contribute to a balanced typing experience, where the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts looking for distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Bubblegum switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bubblegum switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This difference in weight may appeal to different types of users, with some preferring the lighter touch of the Bubblegum switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier push feel of the Ink Yellow switch for a more substantial typing experience. In both cases, users can expect consistent and reliable results based on the specific actuation and bottom out forces of each switch.
Travel distance
Both the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar keypress experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect consistent results when using either switch, as they both offer the same travel distance. It is worth noting that the travel distance of both switches is identical, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a shorter, more precise keypress.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch showcases a more neutral sound profile with a touch of clackiness, making it suitable for various purposes. Depending on the board and keycaps used, the sound of each switch can be further enhanced or subdued.
In terms of feel, the Bubblegum switch provides a bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. Both switches fall within a comfortable middle-ground zone in terms of typing feel, making them approachable to a wide range of users.
Considering the available information, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Bubblegum switch leans towards a clackier typing experience with a bouncy feel, while the Ink Yellow switch provides a smoother and more neutral sound with a mild and polished feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between these switches to find the perfect fit for their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch or the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy, clacky typing experience, then the Bubblegum switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a smoother and more polished typing feel, and a sound profile that is neutral with a hint of clackiness, then the Ink Yellow switch might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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