Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch are both linear switches that offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Bubblegum switch, known for its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky feel, is a great choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano Pro switch stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a crisp and polished feel with each keystroke. While the Bubblegum switch is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', the Piano Pro switch offers a range of characteristics including 'Creamy', 'Polished', and 'Resonant'. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and Akko V3 Piano Pro both utilize nylon as a housing material for their switches, which results in a deep and full sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound. This shared characteristic in housing material suggests that both keyboards may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
However, the Bubblegum distinguishes itself with a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound profile described as on the deeper side and relatively more muted. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile in comparison to the Bubblegum's POM top housing. This variation in top housing material can result in a noticeable difference in sound when pressing and releasing keys on the respective keyboards.
Furthermore, while both keyboards feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deep and full sound profile, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel will differ between the Bubblegum and V3 Piano Pro. The top housing, on the other hand, will influence the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing material qualities between the top and bottom of the switch may lead to a nuanced typing experience unique to each keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we see that the Bubblegum is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the V3 Piano Pro is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Bubblegum provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, offering users the option to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Users who enjoy a lighter touch may prefer the Bubblegum, while those looking for a bit more resistance may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches suggests that users will likely feel a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. This makes them both suitable options for individuals who prefer a linear switch with a moderate amount of travel distance.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Bubblegum switch offers a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, while the Piano Pro switch adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke with a slightly higher-pitched and clean sound profile. Ultimately, when considering sound quality, both switches will provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the choice between them depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bubblegum switch is described as "bouncy," providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively feel with rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a variety of tactile experiences, ranging from a bouncy sensation to smooth and buttery typing with a creamy, polished, and silky feel. This diversity in tactile feedback allows users to choose a switch that best suits their typing style and preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While both switches share the "clacky" sound characteristic, they vary in the tactile feedback, with the Bubblegum emphasizing a bouncy sensation and the Piano Pro providing a range of experiences from bouncy to creamy and silky. Ultimately, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, with the choice between them depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clacky typing experience, the Bubblegum switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a snappy sound and a combination of bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to choose based on what suits your typing style and preferences best.
Mentioned in this article
