Gateron Beer vs. Gazzew Bobagum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew Bobagum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Beer switch stands out with its translucent green design, light weight, and stepped tactility that provides a subtle feel and distinctive clacky sound. On the other hand, the Bobagum switch offers a smooth and almost 'matte' feel, unparalleled tactility, and a nearly silent sound profile. While the Beer switch is best for those who prefer an easy-to-press switch with a clacky sound, the Bobagum switch is ideal for those looking for a muted and subtle typing experience. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Gazzew Bobagum both use different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile feels. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This material is especially suited for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency enhances the visual effect. In contrast, the Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing made of "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Beer and the Bobagum maintain their unique characteristics with the use of different materials. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer offers a clear and resonant sound profile, contributing to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the Bobagum continues to provide a deep sound profile, adding to the tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys. Each housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, making it an essential component in determining the overall typing sensation.
While the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew Bobagum use different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches aim to provide a high-quality typing experience through the unique qualities of their respective materials. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a more nuanced sound profile and tactile feel when using these switches. Whether it's the crispness of the polycarbonate in the Beer or the richness of the "boba plastic" in the Bobagum, these housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall performance of each switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch shows that the Beer is lighter in both aspects. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Beer is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Bobagum provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, catering to those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing intensity.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Beer has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Bobagum. While both switches are within a similar range and would provide a similar typing experience, the slight variance in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Beer, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Bobagum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a distinct clacky sound signature that is sharp and percussive, adding a unique auditory experience to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch provides a muted sound profile, minimizing noise and creating a quieter typing environment. Both switches offer contrasting sound qualities, with the Beer switch being more vibrant and the Bobagum switch focusing on a subtle and silent typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is praised for its easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force for key presses and offering a low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. It also features a stepped tactility that provides a unique typing experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. In comparison, the Gazzew Bobagum switch offers a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience without the need for excessive force. The Bobagum switch also boasts a matte-like smoothness that enhances tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch excels in providing a clacky sound profile and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, while the Bobagum switch focuses on a muted sound profile, subtle resistance, and smooth typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force, stepped tactility, and a clacky sound profile, then the Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, a unique almost 'matte' smoothness, and a nearly silent sound profile, then the Bobagum switch might be more suitable. Consider how you prioritize factors such as sound, feel, and aesthetics when making your decision between these two intriguing mechanical keyboard switches.
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