Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, it's evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain stands out with its eye-catching colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a top choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking to venture into the innovative realm of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is praised for its innovative semi-silent design that combines whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound, offering a silky smooth typing experience. While the Bubblegum switch is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', the Semi-Silent Linear switch falls under 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own appeal and advantages, making them suitable for 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature POM top housings, which create a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials offer distinct sound qualities, the Bubblegum's POM top housing is more pleasing and unique in its sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing is clearer and more resonant. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Semi-Silent Linear is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding a visual flair to the switch.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Bubblegum and the Semi-Silent Linear feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite differences in top housing material, the similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing ensure that both switches provide a similar typing experience with a focus on a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall typing experience by enhancing the sound quality and feel of pressing down on the keys.
When comparing the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is clear that each material plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience. The qualities brought by the top housing material influence the sound when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. For the Zuoce Bubblegum and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, the combination of POM and nylon in the Bubblegum and polycarbonate and nylon in the Semi-Silent Linear create a balanced typing experience that showcases the unique sound profiles each housing material brings to the table.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Bubblegum is also lighter at 45 grams, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Bubblegum switch would provide a lighter and smoother typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would offer a more substantial and tactile typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the user's preference, with the Bubblegum being lighter and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, the Bubblegum has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for quicker response times. The Bubblegum offers slightly less travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more responsive key press. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Bubblegum being slightly shorter and the Semi-Silent Linear being slightly longer.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 switch offers a clacky experience, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch produces a more subdued sound, with a whisper-quiet topping-out noise and a clacky bottom-out sound, creating a more subtle sound profile overall. This difference in sound signature gives users the option to choose between a more lively and percussive typing experience with the Bubblegum or a quieter and more subdued typing experience with the Semi-Silent Linear switch.
In terms of feel, the Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Meanwhile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is also noted for being snappy, offering super responsive typing due to longer or dual-staged springs, as well as buttery and polished for a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bubblegum switch provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a more lively and tactile feedback, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued and mild typing experience with additional features like snappy, buttery, and polished characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a satisfyingly clacky typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a semi-silent topping-out sound, and a mild, snappy, buttery, or polished typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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