Zuoce Bubblegum vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bubblegum switch stands out with its striking colorways and delivers a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a distinct feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump, accompanied by a muted sound profile. While the Bubblegum switch is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', the Silent Brown switch is recognized for being 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their strengths and advantages, but diving deeper into their specific features and performance will help determine the best choice for individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and TTC Silent Brown both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bubblegum utilizes a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing, creating a deep and muted sound due to the softer nylon material. In contrast, the Silent Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a duller and rounder undertone. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, their top housings greatly differ in material and sound characteristics.
The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Brown's top housing creates a more resonant and clear sound profile compared to the Bubblegum's POM top housing. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, especially beneficial for switches featuring RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Bubblegum's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, which may be preferred by those looking for a quieter typing experience. Despite both switches having a nylon bottom housing, the difference in their top housings leads to distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and TTC Silent Brown showcase how subtle differences can greatly impact the typing experience. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the contrasting top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The Bubblegum's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muffled sound, while the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and clearer tone. Whether looking for a quieter typing experience with the Bubblegum or a more resonant sound with the Silent Brown, both switches provide unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch. The Bubblegum requires 37 grams of actuation force and 45 grams of bottom out force, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Silent Brown requires 45 grams of actuation force and 63.5 grams of bottom out force, making it a medium-heavy option. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Bubblegum switch, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Brown switch. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, offering users the ability to customize their typing feel to suit their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Bubblegum has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm. This means that the Bubblegum switch will provide a slightly quicker response time when pressed down. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Bubblegum switch for this reason. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a more robust feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and response time.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is well-known for its clacky typing sound, which produces a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This can be described as a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that adds a unique auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Bubblegum switch. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a more subtle typing noise. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation when typing. This gives the keys a lively feel and provides a satisfying rebound effect with each press. In comparison, the TTC Silent Brown switch is known for its buttery feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is categorized as mild, providing a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. The polished finish of the Silent Brown switch also ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that they offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bubblegum switch provides a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, while the Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound and a buttery, polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches are excellent choices within the mechanical keyboard community, allowing users to customize their typing experience to suit their unique preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Bubblegum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more medium-heavy tactile feel with a buttery and polished typing sensation, along with a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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