Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) stand out as unique options to consider. The Zuoce Bubblegum switch, from Gold Grain, boasts a striking design with its captivating colorways and delivers a satisfyingly clacky typing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to explore the innovative frontier of their hobby. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer resonant and clacky notes, coupled with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures a silky smooth keystroke. While the Bubblegum switch is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch takes it further with 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched' characteristics. Both switches have their unique appeal, but diving deeper into their individual features will help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both feature POM top housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile with deeper tones and a more muted sound. This similarity in top housing material means that users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either keyboard. However, the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Sarokeys' nylon bottom housing. The Bubblegum's nylon housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience.
While both keyboards share the same POM top housing material, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) also utilizes nylon but may offer a slightly different sound due to potential variations in manufacturing processes. The impact of the bottom housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced in the Bubblegum compared to the Sarokeys, which suggests that the Bubblegum may have a more substantial tactile response for users seeking a more robust typing experience.
Overall, the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique sound profiles thanks to their POM top housings. However, the Bubblegum stands out with its nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound for a quieter typing experience. Users interested in a more tactile typing experience may prefer the Bubblegum, while those looking for a slightly different sound profile may find the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) to be a suitable alternative. Ultimately, the choice between these keyboards will come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for quicker response times. The Bubblegum switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may provide a more tactile feel when typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a more immediate keypress response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are described as clacky, meaning they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This can provide a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy a crisp and percussive sound profile while typing. However, the Strawberry Wine (V2) also offers a resonant and high-pitched sound, adding depth and variety to the auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup, users may find that both switches offer a similar level of auditory satisfaction.
Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that adds liveliness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both qualities can enhance the typing feel in different ways, catering to individuals who prefer either a more responsive and bouncy feel or a smoother and more effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a lively and tactile typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a similar clacky sound but with added resonant and high-pitched elements, as well as a silky smooth feel that prioritizes typing comfort. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when you are looking for a light and clacky linear switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is the perfect choice for you. Its vibrant colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience make it a top pick for enthusiasts seeking something unique. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a switch that not only produces a clacky sound but also a resonant and high-pitched one, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is the way to go. With its impeccable factory lube job providing a silky smooth typing experience, this switch is ideal for those who value both sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, your decision will come down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in your typing experience.
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