Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White, both linear switches. The Zuoce Bubblegum switch, known for its captivating colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, is a great choice for enthusiasts looking to delve into the innovative side of their hobby. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro White switch, with its budget-friendly price and incredibly light actuation force of 38g, is perfect for delicate typists who seek effortless and sensitive keystrokes. While both switches offer a pleasing clacky typing experience, the G Pro White provides additional features such as brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for auditory feedback. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users, with the Bubblegum offering a softer and more rounded sound compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 White allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, which may appeal to users looking for a visually dynamic keyboard.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Bubblegum and the G Pro 3.0 White utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics results in a more absorbing and duller sound, enhancing the typing experience with a rounder sound. Despite both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, the difference in their top housings still plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile, it is the top housing material that ultimately influences the keypress and release sounds that users will hear.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Bubblegum's combination of POM and nylon housing materials creates a unique typing experience with a deep and muted sound, while the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offer a sharper and crisper typing experience. Whether users prefer a softer, more absorbing sound from nylon or a clearer and resonant sound from polycarbonate, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have very similar actuation and bottom out forces. The Bubblegum has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's 38 grams, but both have the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while there is a slight difference in initial force needed to trigger a keystroke between the two switches, the end result in terms of force required for a full key press is the same. This makes both switches suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to factors other than actuation and bottom out force, such as design, sound, and overall typing feel.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 White has the longer travel distance compared to the Bubblegum switch. The difference may seem minimal, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience for users. The shorter travel distance of the Bubblegum switch may be favored by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 White switch may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches are described as having a clacky sound profile. The clacky sound is sharp, snappy, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory feedback to the user. This means that whether you choose the Bubblegum or the G Pro 3.0 White switch, you can expect a similar sound experience that is pleasing to the ears. The sound of a keyboard switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like and lively feedback to the user. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy typing experience, feeling smooth, buttery, and easy-to-press. The G Pro 3.0 White switch also has feathery, mild, silky, and subtle characteristics, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and enhancing the overall smoothness of typing feel. While the Bubblegum switch focuses on a bouncy sensation, the G Pro 3.0 White switch prioritizes a smooth and low-impact typing experience. Depending on your preference for typing feel, you can choose between the bounciness of the Bubblegum switch or the creaminess of the G Pro 3.0 White switch.
In conclusion, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are a fan of clacky switches, both options will provide a satisfying auditory feedback. However, if you prefer a bouncy and spring-like typing experience, the Bubblegum switch might be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a creamy and easy-to-press feel with additional characteristics like feathery and silky sensations, the G Pro 3.0 White switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a striking and clacky typing experience with a bottom out force of 45 grams, opt for the Zuoce Bubblegum switch. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a springy feel and want to explore innovative switch designs. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option with a lighter actuation force of 38g, smooth and buttery typing experience, and brighter RGB lighting, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is the way to go. This switch is tailored for delicate typists seeking effortless and sensitive keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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