Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum switch, a linear switch, stands out for its captivating blend of eye-catching colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience. This switch, categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', is an excellent choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking to explore the innovative frontier of their hobby. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch, also a linear switch, is renowned for its rapid response within the MX switch lineup. Categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Speed Silver offers a linear action with low spring resistance that triggers instantly, making it a crucial tool for gamers where every millisecond counts. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. While both switches share this commonality, the specific design of the bottom housing may vary between the two, impacting the overall typing experience.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Zuoce Bubblegum utilizes POM while the Cherry MX Speed Silver uses nylon. POM top housing in the Bubblegum creates a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. On the other hand, the nylon top housing in the MX Speed Silver also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit in a different way. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound when compared to the POM top housing of the Bubblegum.
Overall, the choice of housing material for switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and feel of typing. While the Zuoce Bubblegum and Cherry MX Speed Silver both offer unique characteristics with their housing materials, the differences lie in the specific qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience. Whether it be the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Bubblegum or the rounder and duller sound of nylon in the MX Speed Silver, the combination of top and bottom housing materials contributes to the overall feel and sound of each switch in its own distinct way.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 30 grams compared to the 37 grams of the Bubblegum switch. However, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the unavailable bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Zuoce Bubblegum switch due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant to most users, as both are shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the slight difference in travel distance, with the Bubblegum being slightly longer than the MX Speed Silver.
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 Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving a deep and satisfying tone when keys are pressed and released. Depending on personal preference, users may find the Bubblegum's bright and percussive sound more appealing or the MX Speed Silver's rich and bass-heavy tone more enjoyable.
Moving on to feel, the Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy feedback, providing a spring-like sensation with a lively rebound when keys are pressed. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, offering noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the bouncy feel of the Bubblegum switch, while others might enjoy the textured feedback of the MX Speed Silver switch for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, while the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches provide a linear typing experience suitable for different preferences. Whether you prefer a clacky and bouncy typing experience with the Bubblegum switch or a thocky and textured feedback with the MX Speed Silver switch, both options cater to enthusiasts looking for specific characteristics in their mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different boards and with different keycaps will help you determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, you should consider your specific preferences and needs. If you are looking for a unique and visually striking switch with a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, the Bubblegum switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and instant responsiveness, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the MX Speed Silver switch with its linear action and low spring resistance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in sound, feel, and usage. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and gaming needs to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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