Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Smoothie Silver are two unique options to consider. The Zuoce Bubblegum, a linear switch, is well-loved for its striking colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a great choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking for something different. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver, also a linear switch, is known for its lightning-fast actuation thanks to its short travel distance, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. These qualities make it a popular choice for those seeking a responsive and smooth typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature POM top housings, creating a pleasing and unique sound profile with deeper tones and a muted quality. This commonality in housing material ensures that users can expect similar auditory experiences when typing on either switch. However, where the two switches differ is in the material used for their bottom housings. The Bubblegum utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver incorporates a POM bottom housing, maintaining the pleasing sound profile associated with POM but with a potentially different acoustic property.
While the top housings of the Bubblegum and Smoothie Silver share the same POM material, their bottom housings introduce a point of divergence in their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Bubblegum contributes to a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the potentially different sound produced by the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver. This difference in material highlights how the housing of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience, influencing not only the sound but also the feel of the keystrokes. Therefore, while both switches may offer similar top-out sound qualities, their bottom-out sound and feel may vary due to the distinct properties of their respective bottom housings.
In terms of construction, the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron Smoothie Silver exemplify how different housing materials can affect the auditory and tactile feedback of mechanical switches. While both switches feature POM top housings for a consistent sound profile, the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the potentially unique sound quality of the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing. This distinction demonstrates how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can influence the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of mechanical switches. Ultimately, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of top-out sound but may notice differences in the bottom-out sound and feel between these two switches.
Weight
In comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see that the Bubblegum is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bubblegum requires 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, while the Smoothie Silver needs 45 grams to actuate, with no information provided for the bottom out force. The Bubblegum is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the stronger push of the Smoothie Silver, despite not knowing its bottom out force. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch play a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter forces being preferred for extended use and heavier forces for a more solid feel.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Choosing between the two would come down to personal preference - the Bubblegum providing a slightly deeper feel, while the Smoothie Silver offering a slightly quicker response. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their closely matched travel distances.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which produces a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This results in a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more distinct auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is said to have a thocky sound, which is characterized by a deep, soft, and muffled noise when activated. This can create a more muted typing experience compared to the Bubblegum switch, appealing to those who prefer a quieter keystroke.
As for feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with a noticeable rebound when pressed. This can enhance the typing experience by adding a tactile feedback that some users may find enjoyable. On the contrary, information regarding the specific feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is not available, making it difficult to directly compare to the Bubblegum in this aspect.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch might be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound and a smooth, light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch could be more suitable. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your keyboard, so experimenting with different options is recommended to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 45 grams and a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, then the Bubblegum switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver switch would be the better option. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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