Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3

Overview

When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch with the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer their own unique features and qualities. The Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain stands out with its captivating blend of eye-catching colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking to explore the innovative side of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch from Everglide boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience and a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. Each switch has its own strengths and reasons for why you might want to choose it for your keyboard setup; 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

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$3.10

$2.30 per 10

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Bubblegum features a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly affect the overall typing experience for users, with the POM housing providing a more subtle and subdued sound compared to the more pronounced and clear sound of the polycarbonate housing.

The bottom housing materials of the Bubblegum and the Lightning Silver V3 also contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing is softer, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This difference in housing materials can impact the overall acoustics and tactile feedback of the switches, catering to users with varying preferences for sound and feel.

While the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer contrasting sound profiles, the use of polycarbonate in both switches for their top housing provides a similarity in terms of clarity and resonance. The transparency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches used with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboards. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Bubblegum and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 continue to provide distinct sound characteristics, with the softer nylon creating a deeper sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the stiffer polycarbonate. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical switches.

Weight

The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch. The Bubblegum requires 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 48 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, providing a slightly more substantial typing feel. The difference in force between the two switches gives users the option to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Bubblegum, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Lightning Silver V3.

Travel distance

The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, making them ideal for gamers who prioritize quick response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to everyone, but it could potentially impact the overall feel and feedback of the switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - whether you prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Bubblegum for a more deliberate keystroke or the slightly shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 for a quicker response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches are described as having a clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy noises when pressed. This makes them ideal for those who enjoy a crisp and percussive sound while typing. While the Lightning Silver V3 also features a high-pitched sound, which may appeal to users who prefer a sharper tone, the Bubblegum's sound is primarily focused on the clacky experience. It's important to note that factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material can also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.

Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is praised for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering an exceptionally smooth feel when typing. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience, with the Bubblegum focusing on a bouncier sensation while the Lightning Silver V3 prioritizes a smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and typing experience.

In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches both have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they both share a clacky sound profile, the Bubblegum switch offers a bouncy feel while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more lively and rebounding feel or a smoother and frictionless typing sensation, you can choose the switch that best suits your preferences. Furthermore, both switches offer innovative features, such as the Bubblegum's eye-catching colorways and the Lightning Silver V3's light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. Overall, by selecting either of these switches, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience that aligns with your individual preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, your choice should primarily be based on your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Bubblegum switch with its 45-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a silky, seamless typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 switch with its 60-gram bottom out force would be a better fit for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal typing preferences and the overall aesthetic and feel you desire for your keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Zuoce Bubblegum Linear

$3.10

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

Learn more