Zuoce Bubblegum vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Semi Mute mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain stands out with its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, perfect for enthusiasts seeking innovation and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch focuses on providing a noise-free environment with its completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology, offering a buttery and mild typing experience. While the Bubblegum switch is characterized as 'clacky' and 'bouncy', the Semi Mute switch is labeled as 'buttery', 'mild', 'muted', and 'neutral'. Therefore, choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the KTT Semi Mute both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bubblegum utilizes a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the sharper, higher-pitched sound produced by the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top housing. Additionally, the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, in contrast to the crisper sound profile of the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both switches have different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials is felt differently during key presses. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Semi Mute will provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials. While the Bubblegum offers a more muted and deeper sound due to its POM and nylon housing, the Semi Mute produces a sharper and clearer sound because of its polycarbonate top and bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Semi Mute will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Bubblegum's POM and nylon housing materials create a distinct deep and full sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing materials result in a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the properties of their housing materials, providing users with different options to suit their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience, but they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Bubblegum switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Semi Mute switch's heavier actuation force of 43 grams. Similarly, the Bubblegum switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Semi Mute switch has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Bubblegum switch would be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Semi Mute switch would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we can see that the Bubblegum has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Semi Mute has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Bubblegum has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Semi Mute. The 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance while 3.0mm is the most shallow, so both of these switches fall within that range. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so the Bubblegum may be more appealing in that aspect. However, those who prefer a deeper key press may find the Semi Mute more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch provides a muted and quieter typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Bubblegum switch is more on the lively and crisp side, while the Semi Mute switch offers a more subdued and neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preference, the choice between the two switches will heavily rely on whether you prefer a more pronounced and clacky sound or a quieter and more muted typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and lively feedback sensation. On the contrary, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offers a buttery and seamless typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke feel. The Bubblegum switch leans towards a more energetic and rebounding feel, while the Semi Mute switch provides a gentle and uniform typing sensation. If you enjoy a more lively and responsive typing experience, the Bubblegum switch may be the better choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother and more effortless keystroke, the Semi Mute switch may be the ideal option.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bubblegum switch provides a clacky sound with a bouncy feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a more lively typing experience. Conversely, the Semi Mute switch offers a muted sound and a buttery feel, appealing to those who prioritize a quieter and smoother typing sensation. It is important to consider personal preferences in sound and feel when choosing between these two switches, as they offer unique characteristics that can greatly impact the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance, ensuring that regardless of choice, you will achieve gratifying results in your typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a light bottom out force and enjoy a clacky typing experience, the Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain is the way to go. It provides a lively feel with a unique aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and prefer a medium bottom out force, the KTT Semi Mute switch is the better choice. These switches offer a buttery and mild typing feel, with advanced dampening technology for a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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