Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro are two unique mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Bubblegum, a linear switch, is best known for its captivating blend of eye-catching colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a prime choice for enthusiasts looking to explore the innovative frontier of their hobby. On the other hand, the Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, offers a delightful combination of features with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience. While the Bubblegum is characterized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', the Lavender Purple Pro is labeled as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective top and bottom housing materials. The Bubblegum's POM top housing provides a more muted and deeper sound, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing is more translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer a similar experience with their nylon bottom housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the qualities each material brings to the switch will be felt differently when using the switch - the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The POM top housing of the Bubblegum offers a more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches share the benefits of using nylon for their bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound experience. Regardless of which switch you choose, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Bubblegum requires 45 grams, which is also lighter compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 55 grams. This means that the Bubblegum switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, perfect for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quick response times. However, the Bubblegum's shorter travel distance may provide a slightly faster response compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. If you enjoy a more abrupt and responsive feel, the Bubblegum may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and feedback, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro with its slightly longer travel distance could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is not specified in the provided information, so it is unknown how it compares to the Bubblegum in terms of sound. It should be noted that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch, on the other hand, is described as accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Additionally, it is noted to be bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a responsive and smooth typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Bubblegum being more bouncy while the Lavender Purple Pro is accented and polished.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch both offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bubblegum switch provides a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender Purple Pro switch is accented and polished, offering a satisfying tactile bump and smooth key travel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a fulfilling typing experience, with the Bubblegum offering a sharper sound and bouncier feel compared to the Lavender Purple Pro switch's accented tactility and polished finish. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch or the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, you should take into account the specific characteristics of each switch. If you are looking for a light and satisfyingly clacky typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Bubblegum switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, along with features such as accented tactility, bouncy feedback, snappy responsiveness, and a polished finish, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and sound and feel preferences.
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