Huano Acacia vs. Gazzew Bobagum
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gazzew Bobagum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Gazzew Bobagum both offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Acacia, known for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, provides an excellent typing experience with minimal stem wobble, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a smooth and responsive feel right out of the box. In contrast, the Gazzew Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with their distinctive 'matte' texture, striking a balance between a polished glide and the roughness of unlubed switches, all while delivering a nearly silent sound profile. This makes the Bobagum switches a popular choice for those who value both tactile feedback and quiet operation. While both switches are linear, their distinct characteristics cater to different typing styles and environments. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gazzew Bobagum switches reveal a notable distinction in their sound profiles primarily due to the differing properties of their top housings. The Acacia's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This clarity is enhanced by the translucency of polycarbonate, which is particularly advantageous for users who wish to illuminate their switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," leads to a richer and deeper sound profile due to its inherently softer nature. This fundamental difference means that while the Acacia might produce a more vibrant auditory experience, the Bobagum offers a more rounded and mellow tonal quality.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we see a striking similarity that impacts their overall sound characteristics. The Huano Acacia employs a nylon bottom housing, which is well-regarded for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory profile. Similarly, the Gazzew Bobagum features the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, leading to an equally rich and deep sound experience. Herein lies the crucial point of contrast: while both switches might harness soft materials for their bottom housings, the specific sound attributes emphasized by the materials above lead to different sensory outcomes. The softer nature of the materials in both switches' bottom housings speaks to a shared understanding of how material choice influences user experience.
In conclusion, the combination of housing materials in each switch crafts unique auditory experiences while still sharing certain elements. The Acacia, with its polycarbonate top, provides clarity and resonance, which is pivotal during key release, while the nylon bottom contributes to a fuller sound. The Bobagum, however, capitalizes on a softer top housing that prioritizes rich, deep tones without the sharpness found in the Acacia. Together, these materials explain the overall auditory experience: the properties of the top housing are more pronounced during key release, shaping how users perceive each switch's sound profile distinctly even while sharing a similar foundational element in their bottom housings. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, they ultimately highlight the same principle of material impact in creating varied acoustic landscapes.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has an unknown actuation force but shares a bottom out force of 55 grams. This similarity in bottom out force indicates that both switches provide a similar resistance when fully pressed down, offering a consistent feel in that regard. However, the Huano Acacia’s known actuation force means it requires 45 grams to register a keystroke, which is slightly on the lighter side. In contrast, the Gazzew Bobagum's lack of specified actuation force makes it difficult to precisely compare pull weights, but since it shares the same bottom out force, one might speculate it’s also in the medium-light range. Overall, the Acacia is distinctly lighter in terms of actuation force, making it potentially more suitable for those looking for a less strenuous typing experience, while the Bobagum’s undefined actuation may cater to those who prefer a substantial typing experience without being distinctly lighter or heavier.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Acacia offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Bobagum. For those seeking quicker response times, the Acacia might be the preferable choice, as it provides a bit more immediacy with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bobagum's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, offering a greater depth that can enhance the typing experience for some. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances, although minimal, can influence personal preference based on how one desires the tactile feedback during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50.
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 Huano Acacia linear switch provides a typing experience that is generally smooth and quiet, making it suitable for various environments. While specific descriptors are not provided for the Acacia, its design, including medium-light weight and significant factory lubrication, suggests it would have a soft sound profile, although it may not be as muted as the Gazzew Bobagum. The Bobagum switch, however, is specifically characterized as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This feature makes Bobagum switches particularly appealing for users in shared spaces or those wanting a more understated audio profile while typing.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Acacia is known for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which contributes to a pleasant typing experience characterized by minimal stem wobble. This results in a stable and responsive feel during use. In contrast, the Gazzew Bobagum is renowned for its unique ‘matte’ texture, striking a balance between a smooth glide and the texture of unlubed switches, resulting in an unparalleled typing sensation. The Bobagum’s subtle resistance adds to its usability in shared environments, as it maintains a light typing feel while also being sound-friendly.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Gazzew Bobagum linear switches offer distinct advantages for typists, particularly concerning sound and feel. The Acacia is likely to provide a soft and smooth auditory experience with minimal wobble, while the Bobagum shines in its muted sound profile and extraordinary smoothness with a unique texture. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile sensation, both switches cater to a comfortable typing experience that is well-suited for various environments. If desired, users can achieve similar results in sound by considering their keyboard build and keycap materials, allowing for a personalized typing experience tailored to one’s needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, you should consider your specific preferences and typing environment. If you value an exceptional typing experience right out of the box with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Acacia may be the right choice for you. Its medium-light weight suits those who enjoy comfortable, effortless keystrokes for both typing and gaming without overwhelming tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique, smooth typing feel along with a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum switches redefine the linear experience with their subtle texture and muted sound. They are excellent if you're in a shared workspace or prefer a quieter environment. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a traditional typing experience with a focus on minimal wobble or a smoother, quieter feel that caters to a calmer setting.
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