Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Bubblegum switch stands out with its striking colorways and clacky typing feel, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a satisfyingly bouncy switch. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is described as gummy, providing a deep and muted sound profile along with a creamy and subdued typing experience. While the Bubblegum switch is categorized as clacky and bouncy, the North Pole V2 offers a mix of gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished characteristics. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that can cater to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and Gateron North Pole V2 both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the North Pole V2's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their housing materials contributing to the overall feel and sound of the keys.
In terms of material characteristics, the nylon used in the Bubblegum's bottom housing is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the North Pole V2's bottom housing is stiffer and creates a clearer and more resonant sound. This difference in material properties directly influences the tactile feedback and sound produced by each switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the North Pole V2.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and Gateron North Pole V2 ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. While the Bubblegum offers a deeper and more muted sound profile due to its POM and nylon housing materials, the North Pole V2 delivers a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate housings. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of mechanical keyboards, providing users with a range of options to suit their individual preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch reveals some key differences. The Bubblegum switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the North Pole V2 switch boasts a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. The Bubblegum switch is lighter overall, while the North Pole V2 switch is medium-heavy. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Bubblegum switch will offer a slightly quicker response time compared to the North Pole V2, which may be preferable for gamers looking for fast reaction speed. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience may opt for the North Pole V2 with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile feedback due to their travel distances, but ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch offers a clacky typing experience with sharp and snappy sound when pressed, while the Gateron North Pole V2 provides a more subdued sound profile that is deep and muted. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for users, depending on personal preferences and setup.
When it comes to feel, the Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives a lively feel with rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch offers a gummy typing experience, where bottoming out feels like pressing on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the North Pole V2 switch also offers a creamy and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel.
Overall, both the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Bubblegum switch provides a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the North Pole V2 switch offers a more subdued sound profile with a gummy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal taste and desired typing experience, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Bubblegum switch if you prefer a light bottom out force of 45 grams, a clacky sound profile, and a bouncy typing feel. This switch provides a satisfyingly clacky typing experience and is great for enthusiasts looking for something innovative. On the other hand, opt for the North Pole V2 switch if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, a subdued sound profile, and a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing feel. This switch offers a unique typing experience with a satisfying chewy feel and a smooth, buttery sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for bottom out force, sound, and typing feel, so choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
