Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Haimu Neo White both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain is known for its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a tactile and bouncy feel while typing. On the other hand, the Neo White switch stands out for its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a more neutral and mild typing experience with slightly reduced total travel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different 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
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Haimu Neo White both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While the Bubblegum utilizes POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound, the Neo White opts for polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in materials highlights the importance of top housing in determining the overall sound of a switch. However, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the similar use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound.
The choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing of a switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. POM, as seen in the Bubblegum, creates a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side, while polycarbonate, as seen in the Neo White, produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a suitable material for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a consistent sound profile that is deeper and fuller. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Haimu Neo White comes down to the sound profile preference of the user. The Bubblegum's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound. Whether you prefer a more subdued sound or a sharper tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences while providing a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bubblegum switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smoother and easier typing experience. In contrast, the Neo White switch does not specify its actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a more substantial push feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Bubblegum switch, while individuals seeking a more tangible typing feedback may opt for the Neo White switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Neo White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bubblegum. In general, both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster response times. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, in which case they might prefer the switch with the longer travel distance for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press response.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its clacky nature, offering a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for a wide range of users. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preference for the sound produced during typing, as well as other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of these two switches, the Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy nature, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives each keystroke a lively feel with a noticeable rebound. In contrast, the Neo White switch offers a more mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Consider your preference for key feel and feedback when deciding between these switches, as the type of feedback you prefer can greatly impact your typing experience.
Overall, while both the Zuoce Bubblegum and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a clacky and bouncy typing sensation, the Bubblegum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a milder typing feel, the Neo White switch could be a better fit. Keep in mind that individual preferences can vary, so it's essential to try out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a clacky and bouncy typing experience, and enjoy a sharp and snappy sound, the Bubblegum switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a smooth actuation, and a more neutral and mild typing experience, the Neo White switch might be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose based on what factors matter most to you in a keyboard switch.
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