Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch with the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Bubblegum switch stands out for its striking colorways and clacky typing experience, making it a desirable option for those looking for a bouncy and attention-grabbing switch. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch boasts a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound, offering a balanced typing experience that may appeal to a wider range of users. 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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature different housing material combinations that impact the sound profile of the switches. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro allows for RGB lighting effects due to its translucency, offering a visually appealing option for users who enjoy customization options. On the other hand, the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and rounder sound profile, similar to the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro.
Though the housing materials of the Bubblegum and Violet Gold Pro differ in terms of sound profile and visual effects, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a duller sound profile, which may be preferred by individuals looking for a quieter typing experience. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel of the switch when pressed is emphasized, highlighting the importance of the material used in this component of the housing.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic preferences. While the Bubblegum offers a more muted and deeper sound profile due to its POM top housing, the Violet Gold Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent and fuller typing experience. Whether you prioritize sound quality, visual customization options, or a particular typing feel, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in shaping the overall user experience.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Bubblegum requires 45 grams while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Bubblegum providing a lighter touch ideal for extended typing sessions, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a heavier push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance than the Bubblegum. This means that the Violet Gold Pro provides a bit more depth when pressing down on a key compared to the Bubblegum. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, your preference for travel distance will depend on whether you prioritize a quicker, more responsive feel (opt for the shorter option) or a more deliberate, deeper press (choose the longer option).
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive sound experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for a clacky and punchy sound or a more balanced and versatile sound experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as stepped, offering a tactile experience with two stages of feedback. This means that users will feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel on the keys, providing a more nuanced typing experience compared to the bouncy sensation of the Bubblegum switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your preference for a bouncy and lively feel or a more structured and tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinctive sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. If you enjoy a clacky and percussive sound with a bouncy and lively tactile feel, the Bubblegum switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral and balanced sound with a stepped tactile feel that provides a nuanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro switch may be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience, ensuring that you'll get excellent results no matter which one you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for a light typing experience with a clacky sound profile when opting for the Bubblegum. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and sound preferences, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs in the mechanical keyboard community.
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