Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Bubblegum switch by Gold Grain stands out for its captivating blend of eye-catching colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking to explore innovative options in their hobby. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch impresses with its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, appealing to those who prefer a more accented and polished typing feel. While both switches have their strengths, such as the Bouncy feel of the Bubblegum and the Stepped tactility of the Durock, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Durock Medium Tactile both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Bubblegum utilizes a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound, while the Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Medium Tactile allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the switch not found in the Bubblegum. However, both switches use a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition.
While the top housing of the Bubblegum and the Medium Tactile differ in material, with the former featuring a POM housing and the latter utilizing polycarbonate, both switches share a nylon bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a similar deep and full sound profile when typing, as nylon has the same sound-absorbing qualities in both cases. However, the contrasting qualities of the top housings will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches differently. The POM top housing of the Bubblegum will create a more muted sound upon key release, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile will produce a crisper and more resonant sound when letting go of a key.
In summary, the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Durock Medium Tactile play a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall feel of the switches. While both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing for a deep and full sound, the differing top housings create distinct auditory experiences. The POM top housing of the Bubblegum offers a more subdued sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Bubblegum switch requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, providing a light typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Bubblegum switch make it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch may cater to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, the Bubblegum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more common in the market, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, individuals with a preference for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Durock Medium Tactile switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the feel and responsiveness of the switch while typing or gaming.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 switch offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, providing a pronounced yet balanced tactility that adds a unique auditory element to your typing. While sound is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect distinct sound profiles from these two switches.
Speaking of feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides an accented tactile experience that is not overwhelming nor subtle, with a stepped feel that encompasses both pre-travel and post-travel stages. Additionally, the switch is categorized as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Users can expect a tactile and refined feel from the Durock Medium Tactile switch, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a clacky switch with bouncy feedback or a tactile switch with a jelly-like sound signature and accented, stepped feel, both switches offer distinct experiences that can elevate your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a vibrant and clacky typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Bubblegum switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactility with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sound signature described as jelly-like, the Medium Tactile switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose based on what feels best for you.
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