SP-Star Ayara vs. Gazzew Bobagum
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gazzew Bobagum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara and the Gazzew Bobagum. Both switches fall under the category of linear switches, but they offer unique qualities that set them apart. The Ayara switches are best known for their medium heftiness, making them ideal for individuals who prefer a robust typing experience. These switches provide a soft bottom-out feel and emit a satisfyingly clacky sound. On the other hand, the Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with an almost "matte" feel. They offer unparalleled tactility that is truly one of a kind, while also providing a nearly silent sound profile. If you value a hearty typing experience with a pronounced sound, the Ayara switches are a great choice. However, if you prioritize a smooth and tactile typing experience with minimal noise, the Bobagum switches are worth considering. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
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
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gazzew Bobagum have distinct characteristics that result in differences in sound profiles. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Although both materials produce a deep sound, the Ayara's nylon housing may result in a slightly more muted sound profile compared to the Bobagum's Gazzew blend.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Ayara and Bobagum also play a role in the overall sound profile of the switches. The Ayara employs a nylon bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with its top housing counterpart. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing made of "boba plastic." This soft plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep sound profile similar to that of its top housing. Though the specific proprietary blend may differ, both the Ayara and Bobagum bottom housings produce a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Ayara and Bobagum differ, they serve distinctive purposes in the sound production of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The Ayara's nylon bottom housing and the Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience upon pressing a key. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. The Ayara's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound upon key release, while the Bobagum's Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound. Therefore, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials of the Ayara and Bobagum contribute to variations in the overall sound profile of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The Ayara switch has an unavailable grams actuation force, while the Bobagum switch has an actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the Bobagum switch requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bobagum switch may be more suitable as it requires less force for actuation. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. On the other hand, the Ayara switch may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
While the actuation forces differ between the Ayara and Bobagum switches, the bottom out force remains the same. This means that regardless of the switch chosen, users will experience a similar level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down.
In conclusion, the Ayara switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Bobagum switch. However, both switches share the same bottom out force, providing a consistent typing experience in that regard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switches, there is a clear difference. The Ayara has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is considered the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If responsiveness is your priority, then the Bobagum would be the more suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a more hearty depth when pressing down on keys, the Ayara and its longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of experience the user is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
The Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50 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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a clacky sound profile that is perfectly suited for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. The sound is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate overall sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch provides a nearly silent sound profile that is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The sound produced by the Bobagum switches is described as muted, resulting in a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. However, it's important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is known for its soft bottom-out feel, which offers a comfortable and refined typing experience. The switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This adds to the overall sleekness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers an unparalleled tactile feel that is truly one of a kind. The switch has a subtle resistance, ensuring a light typing feel without being too feathery. Additionally, the Bobagum switch provides a pleasant typing experience in shared spaces as its sound signature is not resonant.
Taking into consideration the available information, it is clear that both the SP-Star Ayara and Gazzew Bobagum linear switches have their own unique qualities. The Ayara provides a clacky sound profile and a polished feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a hearty and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Bobagum offers a nearly silent sound profile and an unparalleled tactility, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience. While the Ayara is best suited for those looking for a medium heft and a neutral sound, the Bobagum is perfect for those seeking a matte feel and a muted sound. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and depending on personal preference, similar results in terms of sound and feel can be achieved with either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switches are the way to go. They have a medium bottom out force and offer a polished feel, resulting in smooth and refined key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and tactility in your typing experience, the Bobagum switches are a great choice. They have a medium bottom out force just like the Ayara switches, but they redefine smoothness with an almost 'matte' feel. The Bobagum switches provide unparalleled tactility and produce a nearly silent sound profile, making them ideal for shared spaces.
When it comes to sound, the Ayara switches provide a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. However, if you prefer a softer and quieter typing sound, the Bobagum switches offer a muted sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In summary, if you prioritize a clacky sound profile, a polished feel, and a hearty typing experience, the SP-Star Ayara linear switches are the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you value smoothness, unparalleled tactility, and a nearly silent typing experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switches are the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire.
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