Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Zuoce Lavender offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bubblegum switch stands out with its captivating colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking to explore innovation in their hobby. On the other hand, the Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box, providing a satisfying keystroke experience. So, if you prioritize a bouncy feel and vibrant aesthetics, the Bubblegum switch may be the way to go. However, if you value smoothness and an easy-to-press actuation, the Lavender switch could be the perfect fit for you. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and Zuoce Lavender both feature POM top housing materials, which create a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. This means that when typing on either of these switches, users can expect a similar sound experience due to the shared POM top housing. However, the Bubblegum utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lavender's POM bottom housing. The use of nylon in the Bubblegum contributes to a sound that is duller and rounder due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics.
Despite both switches sharing a POM top housing, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Zuoce Lavender differ in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing in the Bubblegum provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Lavender's POM bottom housing offers a similar pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. This means that while the top housing materials may lead to a comparable sound experience, the bottom housing materials will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Users can expect a difference in sound and typing feel based on the housing material used in each switch.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Zuoce Lavender offer distinct typing experiences due to their housing materials. While both switches share a POM top housing that creates a pleasing and unique sound, the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lavender's POM bottom housing. The interaction between the top and bottom housing in each switch will impact the overall sound and feel during typing, resulting in nuanced differences in the typing experience for users. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deeper sound of nylon or the more muted profile of POM, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Bubblegum requires a lighter 45 grams of force to fully press down, while the Lavender needs a slightly heavier 53 grams. This means that the Bubblegum switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and may appreciate the ease of triggering keystrokes with less force. On the other hand, the Lavender switch would be better suited for users who prefer a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their personal preference for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, which caters to those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The slight difference of 0.1 mm may not be noticeable to everyone, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper feel, the Bubblegum switch may provide a bit more satisfaction. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance is ideal for the individual user.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and Zuoce Lavender linear switches are described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This characteristic creates a crisp, bright, and percussive sound with each keystroke, adding to the overall typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis, keycaps, and typing style.
Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback with each key press. This bouncy feel adds a lively touch to typing, giving users a sense of rebound when typing. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort, reduces finger fatigue, and offers a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and Zuoce Lavender switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they both produce a clacky sound signature, the Bubblegum switch provides a bouncy feel for a more lively typing experience, whereas the Lavender switch offers an easy-to-press sensation for effortless and comfortable typing. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can cater to your typing needs, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and enjoy a clacky typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback, then the Bubblegum switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and prioritize a smooth and easy-to-press feel with a crisp and clacky sound signature, then the Lavender switch would be better suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing style.
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