Zuoce Bubblegum vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Bubblegum and the TKC Tangerine are both solid options to consider. The Bubblegum offers a unique and captivating typing experience with its clacky and bouncy feel, perfect for enthusiasts looking to add a touch of innovation to their setup. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch boasts a smooth and buttery feel, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, elevating each keystroke to a new level of satisfaction. While the Bubblegum provides a satisfyingly clacky experience, the Tangerine offers a high-pitched and polished typing feel. 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
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and TKC Tangerine switches offer contrasting characteristics in terms of sound signature. The Bubblegum's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright and resonant clack when typing. Similarly, the Bubblegum's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, whereas the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks.
While the Bubblegum and Tangerine switches have different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches varies. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the bottom-out sound and feel, are more pronounced when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in how the top and bottom housing materials affect the typing experience highlights the unique characteristics of each switch and how they contribute to the overall sound profile.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and TKC Tangerine switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience for users. While the Bubblegum's POM and nylon housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housings offer a brighter and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound signature and typing feel. Whether you prefer a muted and softer sound or a bright and resonant one, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that the Bubblegum is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Tangerine is heavier, with a bottom out force of 62 grams. The actuation force of the Tangerine is unknown, but it can be assumed to be higher than 37 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Bubblegum may cater more to users who prefer a smoother and quicker typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Tangerine provides a more substantial and tactile typing feel, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force, with the Bubblegum offering a lighter touch and the Tangerine providing a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tangerine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bubblegum switch. The traditional travel distance for switches is around 4.0 mm, so the Tangerine switch falls within that range. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Bubblegum switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Tangerine switch. Overall, both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a high-pitched sound, crisp and sharp in nature. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback, with the Bubblegum providing a clackier tone compared to the Tangerine's higher-pitched sound profile. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, whether one prefers a sharper clack or a crisper high-pitched sound.
Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with a lively feel. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its frictionless and buttery feel, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, the Tangerine switch has a polished finish, further enhancing the smoothness and refined feel of the keystrokes. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Bubblegum being bouncy and the Tangerine being smooth and polished.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Bubblegum and TKC Tangerine linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bubblegum switch provides a clacky sound and a bouncy typing experience, while the Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched sound, a frictionless and buttery feel, and a polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference for sound and feel. Both switches are sure to enhance the typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts looking to explore innovative options in the mechanical keyboard market.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the following guidelines: If you value a light bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly clacky typing experience with a colorful design, the Bubblegum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, an incredibly smooth typing feel with UHWMPE housings, and a high-pitched sound profile, the Tangerine switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and design aesthetic. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate your typing experience to the next level.
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