Step into the glistening realm of rubber and latex subs. Masked, suited, and undeniably hot, they transform into living sexual toys. But what do they call themselves? We’ve gathered leading voices from the scene—Bolt, Rubngum, Michael (Mr. Rubber Europe 2018), JamesBondageSX, and Whiteout—to define the delicious distinctions between a ‘Rubber Toy,’ ‘Gimp,’ and ‘Drone.’
The world of technical terms can be a labyrinth, especially in the realm of fetish and SM, where you’re bombarded with a lexicon of desire. People craft their own terms, and often, what one person means, another defines completely differently. As we’ve howled about on KINKFINITY countless times, in fetish and SM, there are no rigid standards beyond mutual agreement.
Today, we’re plunging into the shiny, skin-tight universe of rubber and latex bottoms. Most of them look absolutely divine in their form-fitting suits, and with hoods and masks, they transcend the human, becoming true sexual objects. Playing with them is an exquisite pleasure, but when you ask them how they categorize themselves, things get wonderfully confusing. Some are “Rubber Toys,” others “Latex Playthings,” some “Gimps,” and still others, “Drones.” What’s the true, kinky difference between these alter egos? It’s time to ask the experts how they define the intoxicating nuances of the terms they embody.
Bolt: The Submissive Shapeshifter
One of the most iconic rubber pups and drones across the UK and Europe, Bolt is a commanding presence, often found in full rubber at major events, even venturing across the pond to the US.
Hey Bolt! What’s the primal fascination of rubber for you, and when you slip into your skin, which of these intoxicating terms—Rubber Toy, Gimp, or Drone—best captures your essence?
Bolt: It really depends on how I feel, or what/whoever I am playing. I’d also say that I’m very, very submissive, so I’m happy to fit into whatever role whoever I’m playing with wants me in. But there are obvious practicalities. It’s harder to be a true rubber toy at an event like Folsom!
Hehe, I can absolutely imagine! Sounds like Folsom might just be your ultimate drone experience. But now, tell us, what are your definitive definitions?
Bolt: Let’s start with the Rubber Toy: Silent, obedient, entirely submissive, probably kept mostly in bondage, played with and tormented for the amusement and entertainment of its owner, displayed, stored when not being used. Always covered in rubber, perhaps using rubber that changes/modifies the human form. Basically like a toy – picked up and played with at its owner’s whim. It silently accepts whatever is done to it.
Rubber Gimp: Much like the above, but it may exist only for torment or torture and fucking. It may also be stored or kept in bondage for periods of time. It may also be made to serve its owner (or whoever its owner tells it to obey) domestically or otherwise, so it needs to be able to move when doing so. It accepts whatever is done to it, and does whatever it is told.
Rubber Drone: Less about bondage and being ‘used’. More about obedience and ‘display’. Possibly less submissive and subservient than a toy or gimp. A drone is more public. It may be put in bondage and have its mind ‘wiped’ and ‘reprogrammed’ to ensure obedience.
Rubngum: The Manifested Latex Dream
Now, it’s time to consult one of the true gear-freaks, Rubngum, a name many of you know and adore. We knew a gear-sexual like him would have plenty to tell us.
Hi Rubngum! I know you’re not one for being caged… well, an isolation box might be a different story for you, eh? But how would you truly characterize that electrifying “rubber-me” essence?
Rubngum: I am the dream of many Gimps and Drones, which came true. Encased in rubber, I manifest to the RubberTop I want to be.
Hehe, such modesty, Rubngum! As the mastermind behind the Gear Blast EU events and a designer of exquisite rubber suits, you truly understand what fuels desire in others. So, from your expert perspective, what’s the sizzling difference between a Rubber Toy, a Gimp, and a Drone?
Rubngum: Rubber toys want to be used for play by others, completely encased in latex. Also, they can be equipped with extras and complementing fetish products. Rubber toys are bottoms and leave the organization of play to the Tops and Masters.
A gimp is somebody who wears a suit, rubber for me preferably, which has bondage applications, which can be used for tying up the gimp and limit his movement capabilities. You can also give him a gimp hood/mask to enrich or complete the outfit.
Rubber drones want to be controlled, to have their will taken from them. Be encased in rubber, often also connected to relentless machines. Be controlled from afar, attached to cables and tubes, put in bondage. Often, VR or AR find application with them.
Of course, gimps and drones are naturally basically rubber toys.
Michael: The Human Element in Latex
Well, well, the playful rubber sub defines the terms by desires and needs, while the gear-sexual focuses on the equipment! That just keeps things deliciously complicated. Next up, another expert. I doubt there are many who know the rubber community as intimately as Michael (Mr. Rubber Europe 2018).
Hey Michael! The rubber scene is gloriously diverse, and you’re deeply immersed in heavy industrial rubber. These terms can be a labyrinth of lust. So, from your unparalleled perspective, what are the subtle (or not-so-subtle) differences between Rubber Toys, Gimps, and Drones?
Michael: First of all, I’d like to say that we’re here talking about BDSM terms, and the code of conduct “safe, sane and consensual” is always above everything!
Honestly – I don’t have a definition which I could present here as generally valid. I feel the terms as a kind of statement, how much “human” I want to allow in the fantasy imagination… a toy is definitely a thing, a toy, as the word literally translated already says. In terms of rubber, dressed with more or less rubber, it stands in the foreground as a toy. A Gimp is even a more human being, but it is clearly subordinate, has given up its rights and has to serve the desire and passion of its opponent. Also, here I don’t necessarily see everything wrapped up in rubber or at least still possible in a more human perception. As a drone, there is truly a rubber “thing” in front of me… I can’t identify any more what it is exactly. There is then as much rubber as possible and inclusion, certainly the idea of me with connected.
But with some people it just seemed to me that they liked the sound of the word to be called that way… or thinking of my personal top/master encounters, that they want to call their counterparts that way in particular. I myself have also been called differently: rubberslave (as the most used), but also as gimp or object. For me personally, it is the choice of my opposite as what he wants to see and call me…. and I follow his desires and passion and accept it.
JamesBondageSX: A Master’s Perspective
Oh, that sounds more like there’s no rigid distinction at all—it’s all about personal preference and the dynamic with your play partner. At least we know now that toys are, indeed, made to be played with. Such a groundbreaking revelation! Mummy, why didn’t you tell me this?!
Perhaps an outside perspective can help clarify things a little. JamesBondageSX is a formidable leather Master, but if you follow his Twitter, you’ll see his passion for rubber boys growing deeper every day.
Hey James! From your commanding perspective, what are the distinctions between a Rubber Toy, a Gimp, and a Drone?
James: A rubber toy to me is a sub boy wearing some rubber, be it catsuit, surf suit or rubber jeans and polo skinhead style. A rubber toy is a dirty, adventurous, open-minded and often cheeky rubber guy who likes to get a bit messy and dirty: verbal, gob, piss, mess etc, who likes being put in his place by his superior.
On the other hand, I see a gimp as an obedient and willing sub, who is dressed head to toe in rubber, no flesh visible, literally an anonymous rubber object, there to serve as directed, obeying orders, with holes to be used, always in some form of bondage, and to be stored in bondage when not in use.
There is some crossover here for me with my perception of the rubber drone (though this is an area I have less experience in) who similarly is dressed anonymously in full rubber head to toe but perhaps with some almost slightly military feel to the look with gas mask, harness or breastplate, gauntlets, utility belt, etc. More like a rubber soldier or worker ant. Obeying orders, yes, but “programmed” to know how to serve instinctively. That’s my take on it anyway, feel free to correct me!
Whiteout: The Technical & The Transformed
Why am I not surprised that a Master sees the differences primarily in varying degrees of submission? Fascinating.
Our final voice in this rubber exploration comes from another favorite, Whiteout, the vlogger whose rubber tutorials we proudly feature.
So, Whiteout, how do you see these tantalizing terms—Rubber Toys, Gimps, and Drones—and their distinctions?
Whiteout: Frankly, there isn’t any real difference between the three, and all terms can be used interchangeably. But, I do feel that each term is most appropriate in a certain context.
Rubber toys: On the totem pole of submissive-ness, this is probably the lowest level available. You’re just an object with one purpose, with that purpose most likely being sexual related. Your worth is akin to that of a common dildo. A tool with one purpose, and nothing more. A rubber toy is used when needed, then locked up and left alone until it is needed again.
Drones: This is a level above toys, but still very much in the role of a household object. However, you’re more of a multipurpose object, like a computer or a Swiss army knife. A drone can be re-programmed, commanded, or even hypnotized to perform a specific instruction set. The main objective of a drone is to serve a higher being and to perform instructions without a thought. A drone only accepts inputs, and outputs the intended result. Going off the computer analogy. Much like how a server can be used to remotely control another computer, drones may be programmed to create other drones too. The drone receives pleasure from completing its issued task.
Gimps: To me, a gimp is like having an exotic pet. A gimp is a living and loving object, and wants to please its Master. Many people may also make comparisons of a gimp to a slave, both share similar commonalities. However, what distinguishes a gimp from a slave is appearance. A gimp should have no defining characteristics. All skin should be covered, and a mask should be worn at all times. Much like how I can’t really distinguish individual dogs in a pack of golden retrievers, since they all look exactly the same, I shouldn’t be able to distinguish any individuality between a group of gimps. As far as cognitive ability goes, a gimp won’t be as mindless as a rubber toy or as submissive as a drone. But it’s still a lesser being to that of its Master, Alpha, dominant or whatever role the top wants to assume. The gimp just wants to help Master in any way it can, and receives pleasure knowing it did a good job.
It seems even the experts can’t fully agree on the subtle nuances of these terms. Yet, one thing remains crystal clear from all these brilliant minds: rubber toys, gimps, and drones all embrace latex and deep submission. Ultimately, Michael might be right—it’s up to you how you define and see yourself, and how your play partners choose to see you. Just remember, as always in kink, the only true standard is mutual agreement.
The most vital thing is to live your kinks authentically, in ways that bring you and everyone involved immense pleasure and fun, whether you’re suited up in rubber as a toy, gimp, or drone. And if another kinkster starts slinging terms you don’t quite grasp, don’t be shy! Ask them what they mean. As you’ve seen, even the “experts” have their own delicious definitions. Never forget: communication is paramount in kink—and that means truly understanding, both verbally as well as non-verbally.
What are your definitions of these rubber roles? How do you see yourself, or your partners? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
