Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Outemu Silver both fall under the linear category, offering smooth keystrokes without any tactile feedback. The Zuoce Bubblegum stands out for its vibrant colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to add a pop of personality to their setup. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is more understated, lacking any specific standout features but providing a reliable linear switch option. While both switches may seem similar at first glance, each has its own unique qualities that may appeal to 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Outemu Silver, one can see distinct differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience, as the type of sound produced can either be more pleasing or more distracting depending on personal preference. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Silver's top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Bubblegum and the Silver utilize nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The similarities in bottom housing material between these two switches suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on a keyboard. While the Bubblegum and Silver switches differ in their top housing materials, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience in terms of depth and fullness. Whether one prefers the deeper, muted sound of POM in the Bubblegum or the crisp, sharp sound of polycarbonate in the Silver, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum is lighter in both aspects. The Bubblegum has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The significant difference in bottom out force between the two switches means that the Silver provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the lighter feel of the Bubblegum. Those who prefer a more tactile typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silver for its heavier force requirements, while those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Zuoce Bubblegum more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 4mm. In terms of travel distance, the Outemu Silver switch would provide a slightly deeper key press compared to the Bubblegum switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Bubblegum switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Silver switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their slight variance in travel distance, providing users with the opportunity to choose based on their personal preferences.
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 Silver 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 known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive typing experience that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more auditory typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound characteristics are currently unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so results may vary.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This means that the keys have a lively feel and give users a sense of rebound when pressed, which can add an extra layer of enjoyment to the typing experience. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Silver switch is not available at this time, so it's challenging to draw a direct comparison on this aspect. It's worth noting that the feel of a switch is a crucial factor in determining user preference, so it's essential to consider this aspect when choosing a switch that suits your typing style.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, providing users with an enjoyable and responsive typing experience. While specific details about the Outemu Silver linear switch are currently unknown, it is essential to keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for each user. If both switches offer similar qualities, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, trying out different switches and conducting hands-on testing is the best way to determine which switch aligns with your specific typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bottom out force of 45 grams, a clacky sound, and a bouncy feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a linear switch with no specific sound or feel characteristics described, the Outemu Silver switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style, preferences, and priorities in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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