Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and Haimu Viola Tricolor offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Bubblegum switch, with its clacky and bouncy feel, is ideal for those seeking a satisfyingly tactile typing experience that stands out from the crowd. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing without being overly tactile. While the Bubblegum switch is perfect for enthusiasts looking to explore innovative new switches, the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between tactility and usability. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Bubblegum features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor boasts a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softness compared to harder plastics, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller, rounder sound. The shared use of this classic switch housing material showcases a similarity in the overall typing experience between the Bubblegum and the Viola Tricolor, allowing for a consistent feel across both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Haimu Viola Tricolor plays a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. While the POM top housing of the Bubblegum offers a unique depth and muted quality, the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that provides a deeper and fuller typing experience. The split between top and bottom housings highlights the individual impact each material has on the overall sound and feel of the switches, creating distinct typing sensations for users to enjoy.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ significantly. The Bubblegum switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switch has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. It's important to consider these forces when choosing a switch, as they can impact your typing comfort and speed. If you prefer a lighter feel, the Bubblegum switch would be the better choice, while the Viola Tricolor switch is ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, with the Viola Tricolor being slightly longer than the Bubblegum. Gamers may prefer the Bubblegum for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch offers a clacky typing experience, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a touch of character, described as bassy and low-pitched. Depending on personal preference, the Bubblegum switch may be more appealing for those who enjoy a sharper sound, while the Viola Tricolor switch is ideal for those who prefer a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback that gives a lively feel with rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile feedback without being overly tactile, striking a balance between providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Those who enjoy a more lively and bouncy typing experience may lean towards the Bubblegum switch, while those who prefer a medium tactile switch with pronounced feedback may find the Viola Tricolor switch more satisfying.
Overall, both the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique sound profiles and tactile sensations that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a clacky and bouncy typing experience with the Bubblegum switch or a thuddy and accented tactile feedback with the Viola Tricolor switch, both switches provide innovative options for keyboard enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring that you will get equally satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it really depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light bottom out force and a clacky sound profile with a bouncy feel, then the Bubblegum switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a bassy sound profile with low-pitched tones, and an accented, invigorating feel, then the Viola Tricolor switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
