Zuoce Bubblegum vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Pine mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bubblegum switch stands out with its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for innovation in their keyboards. On the other hand, the Pine switch is known for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth keystrokes, and low-pitched sound, creating an effortlessly smooth typing experience. While the Bubblegum switch is described as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', the Pine switch is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. 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
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the KTT Pine, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Pine's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the Bubblegum's POM top housing may offer a different visual appeal. When it comes to the bottom housing, the Bubblegum's nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, contrasting with the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound.
While the Bubblegum and Pine switches both offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of how these materials impact the overall sound profile. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in either the top or bottom housing, with the Pine's polycarbonate top offering a crisper sound and the Bubblegum's polycarbonate bottom contributing to a sharper sound as well. Additionally, both switches highlight the importance of housing material on the overall sound produced, with softer materials like nylon creating a fuller sound compared to stiffer materials like polycarbonate. These similarities showcase how different housing materials can still result in distinct sound profiles depending on where they are utilized in a switch design.
In understanding the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes clear that the choice between POM, polycarbonate, or nylon can significantly alter the typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing in these switches highlights the individual contributions of each material to the sound profile. While the Bubblegum may offer a deeper and more muted sound through its POM top and nylon bottom housing, the Pine's polycarbonate top and bottom create a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch, showcasing the importance of material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is lighter than the KTT Pine linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Bubblegum requires an actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Bubblegum has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating that the Bubblegum has a lighter overall typing experience. Some may prefer the Bubblegum for its lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Pine offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing experiences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Pine has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can make a significant impact on typing or gaming experience. The Bubblegum's shorter travel distance provides a quicker response time, favored by gamers seeking fast reactions. On the other hand, the Pine's longer travel distance offers a more profound keypress, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for speed and depth in keypresses.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch offers a clacky typing experience, characterized by sharp and snappy key presses that produce a crisp and bright sound. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Depending on personal preference, the Bubblegum switch may be more appealing to individuals who enjoy a more percussive typing sound, while the Pine switch may cater to those who prefer a deeper and more mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Bubblegum linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with keys that have a lively feel and offer a rebound when pressed. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with a seamless and effortless sensation. The keys on the Pine switch feel like gliding fingers across the keys with ease, providing a silky sensation that effortlessly melts into each keystroke.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Pine linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bubblegum switch provides a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Pine switch delivers a bassy sound and buttery, creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel. Whether opting for the tactile clackiness of the Bubblegum switch or the smooth butteriness of the Pine switch, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a clacky typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Bubblegum switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a smooth and buttery typing experience with a bassy sound profile and a low-pitched tone, then the Pine switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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