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Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Outemu Milk Tea

An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that they offer unique experiences for users. The Bubblegum, a linear switch from Gold Grain, stands out with its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing feel. This makes it ideal for enthusiasts looking to delve into the innovative side of their hobby. On the other hand, the Milk Tea, a tactile switch, lacks the same level of aesthetic flair but provides a different typing experience altogether. While the Bubblegum is described as 'clacky' and 'bouncy', the Milk Tea remains uncategorized. Each switch has its own benefits, catering to different preferences in typing sensation. 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

N/A

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

Partial box

Stem material

POM+SL

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

POM

Top housing material

Ly

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 Outemu Milk Tea both feature POM top housings, but they offer different sound profiles. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing produces a bright and resonant clack when typing. Despite both utilizing nylon bottom housings, they provide a similar deep and full sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound and create a rounder sound.

While the Zuoce Bubblegum and Outemu Milk Tea share nylon bottom housings, their top housings offer distinct sound characteristics. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted, whereas the Milk Tea's Ly top housing produces a bright and resonant clack when typing. Both switches benefit from the qualities of nylon, as it provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics.

In terms of sound impact, the qualities of the housing materials in the Zuoce Bubblegum and Outemu Milk Tea are felt differently. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches benefit from the use of nylon bottom housings to create a deep and full sound profile.

Weight

In comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Milk Tea at 45 grams. This means that the Bubblegum will require less force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Bubblegum is also lighter at 45 grams, while the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bubblegum would be the preferred choice. Conversely, the Milk Tea would appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bubblegum. 4.0mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, while anything below that is considered shallower. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Bubblegum a potentially better option in that aspect. However, some may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a bit more depth like the Milk Tea. Overall, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preferences on travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.

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 Milk Tea 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 with its clacky characteristic, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound profile can add an extra layer of satisfaction to your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a more noticeable auditory feedback. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is not available, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of sound.

Moving on to feel, the Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy nature, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with a noticeable rebound when pressed. This tactile feedback can enhance your typing experience by adding a responsive and dynamic element to each keystroke. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch are not provided, making it difficult to make a direct comparison.

In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch offers a clacky sound profile and bouncy tactile feedback, which can appeal to enthusiasts looking for a more engaging and responsive typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are not explicitly described, it is important to consider personal preferences and individual typing styles when choosing between these two switches. Keep in mind that the overall typing experience is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard layout, keycap material, and typing technique, so experimenting with different switches is key to finding the perfect match for your needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light bottom out force of 45 grams and a satisfyingly clacky typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Bubblegum switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unavailable bottom out force and are looking for a different tactile experience, the Milk Tea switch could be a better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking. Happy typing!

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