Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Lunar Probe both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Zuoce Bubblegum switch, known for its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, is a top choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is praised for its stable and consistent keypresses, featuring a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation that is accompanied by a subtle sound signature. While the Bubblegum switch leans towards a more tactile experience, the Lunar Probe switch focuses on providing a smooth linear feel. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Lunar Probe feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, giving it a visual edge over the POM housing of the Bubblegum.
On the other hand, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing are shared between the Bubblegum and the Lunar Probe, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This commonality in housing material highlights the importance of the bottom housing in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch plays a significant role in shaping its sound profile. While the Bubblegum and the Lunar Probe have differing top housing materials, their similar use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The differences in sound characteristics between the POM and polycarbonate top housings of the two switches provide users with a choice between a deeper, muted sound and a sharper, higher-pitched sound, allowing for customization based on personal preference.
Weight
The actuation force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is lighter at 37 grams compared to the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch at 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Bubblegum is also lighter at 45 grams compared to the Lunar Probe at 50 grams. Both switches offer a light typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the Bubblegum switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Lunar Probe switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, but those who are more sensitive to slight variations in depth may prefer the Lunar Probe for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness in key presses.
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 Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 linear switch offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch provides a subtle sound signature, ensuring a quiet typing session. Depending on personal preferences, the Bubblegum switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound, while the Lunar Probe switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Bubblegum switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with a satisfying rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch offers an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring consistent and stable keypresses. In terms of feel, the Bubblegum switch may appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile and bouncy typing experience, while the Lunar Probe switch would be favored by those who prioritize smoothness and consistency in their typing feel.
Overall, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Bubblegum switch stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy feel, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a more tactile and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe switch excels in providing a smooth and consistent typing experience with a subtle sound profile, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter and more stable typing feel. While the specific qualities of each switch differ, users can expect a high-quality typing experience regardless of their choice between the two, ensuring satisfaction no matter which option they go with.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Bubblegum if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and enjoy a clacky typing experience with a unique colorway. On the other hand, choose the Lunar Probe if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams and value stable and consistent keypresses thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism. Ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you prefer a bouncy and lively feel of the Bubblegum or the smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation of the Lunar Probe. Both switches offer distinct experiences, so choose based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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