Zuoce Bubblegum vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the TTC Venus are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different experiences to users. The Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain is praised for its clacky and bouncy feel, making it a favorite among enthusiasts looking for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its buttery, gummy, and frictionless attributes, providing a smooth and engaging typing sensation. While the Bubblegum switch may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Venus switch is perfect for users who desire a quieter and smoother 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the TTC Venus both feature POM top housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side and relatively more muted. However, the key difference lies in their bottom housings. The Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice between these two materials ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound and typing experience.
The utilization of different materials for the top and bottom housings in the Zuoce Bubblegum and TTC Venus affects the overall typing experience of the switches. The qualities of each housing material are split between the bottom and top, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a more nuanced and varied typing experience, catering to different preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound like that of nylon or a sharper and crisper sound like that of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and the TTC Venus comes down to personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics. The Bubblegum's combination of POM top and nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile with a muted tone, while the Venus's POM top and polycarbonate bottom housings produce a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Venus's bottom housing allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring an enjoyable and customizable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum switch is lighter in both aspects. The Bubblegum has an 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 Venus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a medium-light typing feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear experience, but the Bubblegum switch would be better suited for individuals who prefer a lighter touch, while the Venus switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches. The Bubblegum has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Venus has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which can be preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Bubblegum offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it slightly more responsive than the Venus. However, the Venus provides a slightly deeper press with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the level of responsiveness and depth desired in typing or gaming experiences.
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 Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched, muted sound profile that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. While the Bubblegum switch leans towards a brighter and more percussive sound, the Venus switch provides a more bass-heavy, mellow tone that is suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and lively feedback sensation. Conversely, the Venus switch offers a buttery, frictionless typing experience that is smooth, seamless, and effortless. Additionally, the Venus switch has a gummy feel when bottoming out, adding a unique touch to the typing sensation. Overall, the Bubblegum switch offers a more energetic feel, while the Venus switch provides a smoother and more refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Bubblegum switch excels in producing a clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, catering to those who enjoy a sharper and more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus switch stands out for its low-pitched, muted sound profile and buttery, frictionless feel, appealing to individuals seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will find a switch that suits their individual typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you value a light typing experience with a satisfyingly clacky sound, the Bubblegum switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique "matte" sensation, smooth and engaging keystrokes, and a muted sound signature, the Venus switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a bouncy and colorful typing experience or a buttery and frictionless one, both switches offer their own distinct qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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