Zuoce Bubblegum vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Wine Red both offer unique experiences for users. The Bubblegum switch from Gold Grain stands out with its vibrant colorways and clacky typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts looking for something different. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch provides a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a bassy, low-pitched sound. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Wine Red both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller sound profile, compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a more resonant and clear sound. Despite these differences, both switches utilize materials that offer unique acoustic qualities, making them both appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Wine Red allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. Conversely, the Bubblegum's POM top housing may not be as visually striking, but it contributes to a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Nylon bottom housing of the Bubblegum absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red enhances the clarity and sharpness of the sound produced. These contrasting characteristics highlight the importance of housing materials in achieving the desired sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Wine Red will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and aesthetics. While both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, they each have their own strengths and differences that cater to different tastes. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Bubblegum or a sharper and crisper sound with the Wine Red, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on keyboard performance.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch offers a lighter typing experience compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch. The actuation force of the Bubblegum is 37 grams, while the Wine Red requires 44 grams to actuate. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Bubblegum is 45 grams, whereas the Wine Red bottom out force is 55 grams. This means that overall, the Bubblegum switch is lighter to type on than the Wine Red switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Bubblegum more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Wine Red. In both cases, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience, with the Bubblegum being lighter and the Wine Red being medium-light.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Wine Red switch is the longer of the two by 0.5 mm. The Bubblegum switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch provides a slightly deeper feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the feel of the keystrokes.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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, offering a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone reminiscent of bass frequencies. Depending on personal preference, the Bubblegum switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile auditory experience, while the Wine Red switch caters to individuals seeking a smoother and deeper sound sensation. Keep in mind that the overall sound quality of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with a rebound effect when pressed. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of the KTT Wine Red switch. However, based on the absence of descriptors, it can be inferred that the Wine Red switch may provide a more subtle and smoother keypress experience compared to the bouncier nature of the Bubblegum switch. Again, individual preferences for key feel vary, so it is essential to consider personal typing preferences when selecting a switch.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum and KTT Wine Red linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Bubblegum switch excels in delivering a clacky sound profile and a bouncy tactile feel, providing enthusiasts with a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a bassy sound with a lighter type feel, appealing to those who prefer a smoother and deeper keypress sensation. Ultimately, both switches present unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, and selecting between them will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and clacky typing experience, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams and a bouncy feel, this switch is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a more colorful and lively typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch would be the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams and a bassy, low-pitched sound, this switch offers a pillowy light type feel that is sure to please those seeking a more mellow typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Bubblegum and Wine Red switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that best suits your individual tastes and enjoy a satisfying keyboarding journey.