Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it's evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain is known for its captivating blend of colorways and a satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for an innovative typing feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel created by a lengthened single-stage spring. While the Bubblegum switch is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Bouncy', the Tourmaline Blue is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own strengths, offering a unique 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
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Bubblegum's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Conversely, the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer a unique sound experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the Tourmaline Blue stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Bubblegum's POM top housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal but contributes to a pleasing sound profile. When it comes to the bottom housings, the nylon material used in the Bubblegum provides a classic and softer typing experience, while the polycarbonate material in the Tourmaline Blue offers a stiffer and crisper typing sensation. Overall, the housing materials of both switches play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each key press.
Ultimately, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel. The Bubblegum's combination of POM and nylon housing materials creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top and bottom housings offer a sharper and more resonant typing experience. Whether the priority is sound aesthetics, typing feel, or compatibility with RGB lighting, each switch brings its own unique qualities to the table for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bubblegum switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push. While the Bubblegum switch offers a lighter typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch caters to those who enjoy a heavier key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 4 mm. The Bubblegum's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Tourmaline Blue's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 typing experience with a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users with its moderate actuation force requirement. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound of these switches can be further influenced.
In terms of feel, the Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with lively keys that rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery feel with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it has an easy-to-press characteristic, requiring minimal force to activate the keys, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild nature of the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, if you enjoy a clacky and bouncy typing experience, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a buttery, easy-to-press feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch would be a suitable option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on your personal typing preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a clacky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Bubblegum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a buttery, easy-to-press feel and a neutral sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switch could better suit your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose based on what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch.
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