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Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Outemu Silent Grey

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

Overview

The Zuoce Bubblegum switch and the Outemu Silent Grey switch are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics. The Bubblegum switch, a linear switch from Gold Grain, is known for its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience. It is a prime choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking to explore the innovative frontier of their hobby. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This makes it a perfect option for those seeking something satisfying and silent. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages depending on personal 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

50g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

65g

Pre-travel

1.80 mm

Pre-travel

1.60 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

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Silent Grey both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, similar to the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing. However, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Silent Grey's housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound compared to the softer nylon used in the Bubblegum.

The differences in the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Silent Grey can also be felt in their typing experience. The softer nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey produces a more defined and high-pitched sound. When pressing down on these switches, the impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the combination of different housing materials can affect the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard.

In terms of aesthetics, the material used in the top housing of a switch can also impact the visual appeal, especially when RGB lighting is involved. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Silent Grey's top housing allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. In contrast, the opaque nature of POM in the Bubblegum's top housing may not offer the same level of visibility for RGB lighting. Regardless, both switches offer a unique blend of housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound, feel, and appearance.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch differ significantly. The Bubblegum switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may prefer the Silent Grey switch over the Bubblegum switch. In terms of weight, the Bubblegum switch is lighter overall, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Silent Grey switch, on the other hand, offers a heavier typing experience for those who prefer more resistance. Both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that the Bubblegum has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a significant difference in the feel and response of the switch. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Bubblegum with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Silent Grey with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique advantages, so ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.

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 Silent Grey 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 is hailed for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience with a crisp and bright sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is reputed for its quiet nature, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing sound. The Silent Grey switch would provide a significantly quieter typing experience compared to the Bubblegum switch, appealing to users who prioritize a quieter workspace.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback when typing. This lively feel gives users a sense of rebound with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the contrary, the Outemu Silent Grey switch's specific tactile design offers a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, catering to those who appreciate a tactile response while typing. The Silent Grey switch provides a satisfying tactile feel without sacrificing on quietness, making it a versatile option for users who enjoy tactile switches.

In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bubblegum switch delivers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel, the Silent Grey switch provides a quieter typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches cater to different needs within the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, users can expect to achieve satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences with either switch, albeit with varying characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a satisfyingly clacky typing experience with a light 45-gram bottom out force, the Bubblegum switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy 65-gram bottom out force, the Silent Grey switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.

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