Zuoce Bubblegum vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Matcha stand out as unique options with distinct features. The Bubblegum, a linear switch from Gold Grain, offers a satisfyingly clacky typing experience and is perfect for enthusiasts seeking innovation. On the other hand, the Matcha, a tactile switch, provides a comfortable and snappy tactility with a clean bottom-out sound. While the Bubblegum is known for its bouncy feel, the Matcha is recognized for its stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle characteristics. In general, the Bubblegum is ideal for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience with a lot of feedback, while the Matcha is great for those who enjoy a tactile response with a unique 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the KTT Matcha have contrasting housing materials that affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Bubblegum features a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Matcha'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, while POM offers a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, both switches have a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile.
The difference in housing materials between the Bubblegum and Matcha extends to their bottom housings as well. The Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, like the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing is ideal for switches with clear housings and RGB lighting, offering a visually pleasing element along with its sound characteristics.
Despite the differences in housing materials for the top and bottom of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the KTT Matcha, the qualities each material brings complement each other to create a unique typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. This combination of housing materials allows for a balance of tactile feedback and sound profile, giving users a diverse range of typing experiences between the two switches.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Bubblegum has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that both switches will provide a smooth typing experience with minimal force required. The Bubblegum is slightly lighter in actuation force, but they both share the same bottom out force. Those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions may appreciate the lighter actuation force of the Bubblegum, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Matcha. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and feel.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Matcha tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Bubblegum's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quick response times, while the Matcha's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both options offer different experiences, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both offer a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This makes them ideal choices for users who enjoy a crisp, bright, and percussive typing experience. While the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both the Bubblegum and Matcha switches are likely to produce similar auditory results.
When it comes to feel, the Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with a rebound effect. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is characterized by its stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle attributes. This means that the Matcha switch provides a more complex tactile experience with multiple stages of feedback and varying levels of tactility, perfect for those who appreciate a responsive and nuanced typing feel.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches offer a clacky sound profile, the Matcha switch provides a more nuanced tactile experience compared to the bouncy feel of the Bubblegum switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's personal preference for sound and typing feel, with the Bubblegum offering a straightforward clacky experience and the Matcha providing a more varied and dynamic tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a light bottom out force and a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force that offers a comfortable, snappy tactility and a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the clacky typing experience of the Bubblegum or the tactile feel and sound of the Matcha. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your individual needs and preferences.
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