Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offer unique features that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Bubblegum switch, with its clacky and bouncy typing experience, appeals to enthusiasts looking for an innovative and satisfying feel while typing. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana switch, known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, provides a polished and creamy typing experience with a strong return and consistent feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of users. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, it is evident that they both use different materials for their top and bottom housing. The Bubblegum utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. Despite the differences in sound profile, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the Bubblegum's POM top housing may not feature RGB lighting as effectively as the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing due to its lack of translucency. This difference in appearance may be a deciding factor for users interested in customizable lighting effects. However, both switches offer a unique sound profile based on their respective top and bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing the importance of housing material in determining the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Jupiter Banana ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While the Bubblegum's POM top housing offers a more muted and deeper sound, the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. Whether one prefers a more subdued typing experience or a more vibrant sound, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a lighter actuation force, at 37 grams, compared to the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, which requires 59 grams to actuate. Similarly, the Bubblegum also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Jupiter Banana has a heavier bottom out force of 69 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may enjoy the Bubblegum switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the Jupiter Banana switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force requirements. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback, so users can choose based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch both have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. The Bubblegum has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.5 mm, while the Jupiter Banana has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm. Both switches offer a quicker response time compared to switches with longer travel distances, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster reactions. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana to feel more abrupt, while others may prefer the slightly deeper feel of the Bubblegum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 best described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience. While both switches provide distinct sound characteristics, the Bubblegum switch focuses more on a clacky and tactile response, while the Jupiter Banana switch emphasizes a higher-pitched and resonant sound.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that gives the keys a lively and rebounding feel. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The creamy sensation of the Jupiter Banana switch allows for effortless keystrokes that glide smoothly across the keys, providing a luxurious typing experience.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bubblegum switch provides a clacky sound with a bouncy feel, catering to enthusiasts looking for a distinct tactile experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy feel, perfect for those seeking a smooth and luxurious typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference in sound and feel, but both options are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the key attributes of each switch. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a clacky typing experience, the Bubblegum switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, high-precision molds, and a polished, creamy typing feel, the Jupiter Banana switch could be the perfect fit. Think about your typing preferences, sound preferences, and desired typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.
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