Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade stand out as unique choices with their own distinctive characteristics. The Zuoce Bubblegum, a linear switch, is best known for its captivating blend of two eye-catching colorways and delivers a satisfyingly clacky typing experience. This switch is ideal for keyboard enthusiasts looking to explore the innovative frontier of their hobby, and is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy'. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. As the third iteration of Outemu's silent tactile lineup, these factory-lubed switches feature a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. While the Bubblegum switch may appeal to those seeking a more distinct typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is perfect for those who prefer a quieter, tactile feel. 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
3.30 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out the key, providing a satisfying typing experience with minimized noise.
However, the top housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Bubblegum featuring POM and the Silent Yellow Jade utilizing nylon. POM housings on the Bubblegum create a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to the fuller sound elicited by the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade. While both materials offer pleasing sounds, the difference in compositions may result in distinct typing experiences for users who prefer a specific sound profile.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel of pressing and releasing a key. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provide similar results in terms of creating a satisfying typing experience with minimized noise levels.
Weight
In comparing and contrasting the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, one significant difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Zuoce Bubblegum features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing sensation. The lighter actuation force of the Bubblegum makes it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Silent Yellow Jade's heavier forces cater to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Despite their differences, both switches deliver reliable performance, with the Bubblegum offering a lighter touch and the Silent Yellow Jade providing a more satisfying keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to the average user, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Bubblegum switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 Outemu Silent Yellow Jade 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 offers a clacky typing experience, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a "thocky" sound, giving a quiet and tactile typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, the Bubblegum switch may be more appealing to those who enjoy a crisp and percussive sound, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch is designed for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that gives a lively feel with rebound when pressed. As for the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch, the specific feel is unknown. For individuals who enjoy a more elastic and lively typing experience, the Bubblegum switch may be the preferred choice based on its bouncy nature.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bubblegum switch provides a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, appealing to those who enjoy a sharp and lively typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, though its specific feel is unknown. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, typing experience, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly clacky typing experience with vibrant colors, the Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a quiet, tactile typing experience with a "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure a fulfilling keyboard experience.
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