Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Outemu Cream Yellow offer unique experiences for users. The Zuoce Bubblegum, a linear switch, stands out with its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience. It is a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a bouncy and clacky feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, provides a different typing experience with a tactile bump that enhances accuracy and feedback. While the Cream Yellow may not have eye-catching colorways like the Bubblegum, it offers a more subtle approach to typing. Both switches have their own strengths and are suitable for 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Cream Yellow both feature nylon top housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the nylon material. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is more pleasing to the ear. However, the Bubblegum also incorporates a POM bottom housing, which adds a unique sound profile that is relatively more muted compared to the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing. This difference in materials provides a contrast in sound quality between the two switches.
On the other hand, both switches share the characteristic of having a nylon top housing, which offers similar sound profiles in terms of depth and fullness. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics produces a more mellow and rounded sound that is consistent between the two switches. However, the Bubblegum's inclusion of a POM bottom housing creates a slightly different sound experience compared to the Cream Yellow's all-nylon construction. This variation highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in influencing the overall sound of a switch.
In conclusion, while both the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Cream Yellow utilize nylon top housings to create a deep and full sound profile, their choice of bottom housing material results in distinct sound characteristics. The Bubblegum's POM bottom housing adds a unique and muted sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's all-nylon construction provides a more consistent sound profile that is rich and mellow. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound quality and feel of each switch.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel while typing. Those who like a lighter touch may find the Bubblegum switch more comfortable for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Cream Yellow switch for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer different weight options, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular for faster response times, especially among gamers. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Bubblegum may be more suitable, while if you prioritize a quicker response, the Cream Yellow could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Cream Yellow being slightly shorter than the Bubblegum.
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 Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10 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 stands out for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This auditory feedback can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is praised for its bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback that gives the keys a lively feel with a noticeable rebound upon each press. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience and provide a sense of satisfaction for users. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is not specified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison on this particular aspect.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound and bouncy feel, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an engaging typing experience with distinctive auditory and tactile feedback. While the qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are not fully outlined in the provided information, it's possible that users may experience similar results to the Bubblegum switch in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific preferences of the user in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light bottom out force and the satisfying clacky sound of a linear switch, then the Bubblegum may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience, the Cream Yellow could be the better option. Consider what factors are most important to you, such as bottom out force, sound, and feel, when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that complements your typing style and enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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