Zuoce Bubblegum vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Lightning mechanical keyboard switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bubblegum from Gold Grain stands out with its striking colorways and a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking to delve into the innovative side of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Lightning switches by KTT are designed for speed and precision, making them ideal for gamers who rely on quick responses to gain an edge in competitive gameplay. While the Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy feel, the Lightning switch offers a polished and subtle typing experience with a high-pitched and chirpy sound profile. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Lightning both feature POM top housings, but the materials serve different purposes in terms of sound profile. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Lightning's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in sound can be attributed to the properties of the materials used, with POM being softer and polycarbonate being stiffer. However, in terms of aesthetics, both materials offer a unique look, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate.
On the other hand, both switches also feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Despite their differences in top housings, the Bubblegum and Lightning share similar qualities when it comes to the bottom housing material. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, showcasing the importance of both housing materials working together to influence the overall sound experience when typing.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Lightning may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While both switches offer similar qualities in their nylon bottom housings, the difference in top housing materials – POM for the Bubblegum and polycarbonate for the Lightning – provides a distinct sound experience. Whether a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound is preferred, users have the opportunity to choose a switch that best suits their typing style and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that both switches are on the lighter side. The Zuoce Bubblegum has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the KTT Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. However, the Lightning switch requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Bubblegum switch. This difference may appeal to individuals who prefer a slightly more substantial typing feel. In general, the weight of a switch is an important factor to consider based on personal preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a slightly longer travel distance compared to the KTT Lightning linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Bubblegum switch provides a bit more depth when pressed, which some users may find more satisfying, while the Lightning switch offers a slightly shallower press. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Lightning switches are described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that users can expect a sharp, snappy sound when typing on either of these switches. However, the Lightning switch also offers a high-pitched and chirpy sound, providing a bit more variety in acoustic experience compared to the Bubblegum switch. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to typing. On the other hand, the Lightning switch is described as having a subtle and polished feel. This means that users can expect a gentle resistance with a light typing feel, as well as a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. While the Bubblegum switch offers a more energetic typing experience, the Lightning switch provides a more subtle and polished typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Lightning switches have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Bubblegum switch offers a clacky and bouncy typing experience, the Lightning switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy sound profile with a subtle and polished typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and which qualities resonate more with the user's typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch or the KTT Lightning linear switch, it comes down to your personal preferences and specific needs. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, the Bubblegum may be the perfect fit for you. However, if you need a switch that offers a sleek typing feel with a subtle resistance, especially in situations where milliseconds matter, the Lightning switch might be the better choice. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired feel when making your decision between these two unique switches.
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