Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Durock Light Tactile

Overview

The Zuoce Bubblegum switch, a linear switch, and the Durock Light Tactile switch, a tactile switch, offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain stands out with its captivating colorways and clacky typing experience, perfect for those looking to add a touch of innovation to their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a gentle tactility that is a refreshing change from sharper tactile switches in the market, providing a polished and smooth typing experience. Both switches have their own appeal and strengths, but ultimately the choice between them will depend on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Zuoce Bubblegum Linear

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$3.10

$2.30 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Durock Light Tactile both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Bubblegum's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile allows for RGB lighting to shine through, giving it a more visually appealing look compared to the Bubblegum's POM top housing. However, both switches provide distinct sound profiles based on their top housing material.

When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Bubblegum and the Light Tactile utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This commonality in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound. Despite differences in their top housing materials, the Bubblegum and the Light Tactile maintain consistency in their bottom housing material to provide users with a familiar typing experience.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on them. While the Bubblegum and the Light Tactile may differ in their top housing materials, their common use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials allows users to feel the impact of each material when pressing down on the switch or letting go of a key. Whether you prefer the deeper and muted sound of POM in the Bubblegum or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Light Tactile, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials.

Weight

The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bubblegum switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Light Tactile switch is heavier, requiring 52 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a stronger push when typing may gravitate towards the Light Tactile switch. Despite the variance in force requirements, both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference. For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Bubblegum switch would be the preferred choice, while the Light Tactile switch would be better suited for those desiring a heavier keystroke feel. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience each switch provides.

Travel distance

The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, with the Zuoce Bubblegum being even shorter, they offer slightly different typing experiences. Gamers may prefer the Bubblegum for its faster response time, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may favor the Light Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving off a crisp, bright, and percussive noise. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch provides a more gentle and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, with the Bubblegum being more striking and attention-grabbing, while the Light Tactile is more subtle and versatile depending on your preference and surroundings.

Moving on to feel, the Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, offering a lively and spring-like feedback sensation when typing. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, giving a gentler and smoother feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Bubblegum providing a more lively and rebounding feel, while the Light Tactile offers a refined and approachable typing experience suitable for various users.

In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and bouncy typing experience, the Bubblegum switch would be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral and polished typing experience with a gentle tactility, the Light Tactile switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and can cater to different preferences and needs within the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch or the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light bottom out force and a satisfyingly clacky typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Bubblegum switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a gentle tactility with a mild and polished feel, the Light Tactile switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider the sound profile and feel that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what resonates with you the most.

Mentioned in this article

Zuoce Bubblegum Linear

$3.10

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more