Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum switch, a linear switch offered by Gold Grain, boasts a unique and visually appealing design with two vibrant colorways. Known for its satisfyingly clacky typing experience, this switch is popular among enthusiasts looking to explore new frontiers in the mechanical keyboard world. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is praised for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. With its low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished attributes, the Oil King offers a luxurious typing experience. Each switch has its own set of qualities that make them appealing to different types of users. 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
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Oil King both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Bubblegum featuring a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Oil King has a nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Both the POM and nylon materials have their own unique sound profiles, with POM being described as creating a deeper and more muted sound, while nylon elicits a fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky.
One key difference between the two housing materials is the impact they have on the overall sound profile of the switch. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a unique deeper sound, while the Oil King's nylon top housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the Bubblegum's nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a duller sound profile, while the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing produces a thinner and higher-pitched sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
It's important to note that the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Oil King play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The top housing material has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. While the Bubblegum and the Oil King have different housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience with their distinct sound profiles, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum is lighter in both aspects compared to the Oil King. The Bubblegum has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Bubblegum a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a more substantial push feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Oil King linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Oil King being on the longer end and the Bubblegum being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Bubblegum switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may opt for the Oil King with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch offers a clacky and sharp sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed, giving a satisfyingly audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound that is smooth and reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, offering a more mellow and buttery auditory sensation. Both switches deliver unique sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Bubblegum focusing on a sharper tone and the Oil King providing a deeper, richer sound.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy and lively feedback, offering a spring-like sensation that provides a sense of rebound when keys are pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a luxurious gliding sensation. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback that can cater to different preferences, with the Bubblegum emphasizing a lively bounce and the Oil King focusing on a smooth and refined keystroke.
Overall, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Gateron Oil King linear switches each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bubblegum switch offers a clacky sound and bouncy feedback, the Oil King switch provides a low-pitched and buttery smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, keyboard enthusiasts can choose between these two switches to customize their typing setup according to their desired auditory and tactile sensations. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a light bottom out force and a bouncy, clacky feel with a striking colorway, the Bubblegum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a creamy, silky, or buttery feel and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Oil King switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, it's important to consider both the sound and feel of the switches to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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