Zuoce Bubblegum vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum and HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain stands out with its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking to delve into the innovative side of the hobby. On the other hand, the Roselle switch is known for its incredibly smooth and frictionless feel, accompanied by a subtle low-pitched sound when typing. While the Bubblegum offers a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Roselle provides a mild and neutral feel with its bassy and low-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM+SL
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum housing materials, consisting of a POM top and a nylon bottom, offer a unique combination of sound profiles. The POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound profile. In comparison, the HC Studio Roselle also utilizes a POM housing for the top, resulting in a similar deeper and muted sound profile. However, the Roselle differs in its use of POM for the bottom housing, potentially impacting the overall sound experience compared to the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing.
The use of POM in both the top housing of the Bubblegum and the Roselle results in a consistent deep and muted sound profile. This material choice contributes to a unique and pleasing sound experience for both keyboards. Conversely, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Bubblegum's nylon and the Roselle's POM may lead to varying sound and feel characteristics between the two keyboards. The nylon bottom housing of the Bubblegum creates a fuller and rounder sound profile due to its softer nature, while the POM bottom housing of the Roselle may offer a different typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Zuoce Bubblegum and HC Studio Roselle keyboards plays a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of each device. While both keyboards feature a POM top housing for a deep and muted sound, the divergence in bottom housing materials introduces potential differences in typing experience. Whether one prefers the fuller sound of nylon or the potentially different sound characteristics of POM, both keyboards offer a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Bubblegum switch also has a lighter force of 45 grams, while the Roselle switch has a heavier bottom out force of 52 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Bubblegum switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Roselle switch, which offers a bit more resistance in both actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. The difference between the two distances is minimal, with the Roselle being slightly longer than the Bubblegum. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel depth is desired when typing or gaming.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 is described as producing a clacky sound when pressed, giving off a sharp and snappy tone that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a different sound experience, with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile that is deep and rich in tone. While the Bubblegum switch provides a more lively and energetic sound, the Roselle switch offers a more mellow and bass-heavy sound signature. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a frictionless typing experience, with an incredibly smooth and effortless feel that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, the Roselle switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bubblegum switch provides a clacky sound with a bouncy feel, ideal for those who enjoy a lively and energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound with a frictionless and mild feel, perfect for individuals looking for a smooth and gentle typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Ultimately, whether you choose the Bubblegum or the Roselle switch, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of quality and innovation in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you value a light bottom out force and a clacky typing experience, the Bubblegum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the Roselle switch may be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics and cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects of typing experience are most important to you before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Bubblegum and Roselle switches will depend on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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