Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gazzew Bobagum
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew Bobagum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew Bobagum. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their remarkable blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy feel that is ideal for those who prefer a distinct tactile feedback. In addition to their performance, the Blue Lotus switches also feature a detachable light column, adding vibrant and eye-catching RGB illumination to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with their unique "matte" feel, creating a typing experience unlike any other. While not as tactile as the Blue Lotus, the Bobagum switches offer a level of unmatched tactility, with a sound profile that is nearly silent. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Blue Lotus providing a more pronounced tactile response and visual appeal, while the Bobagum offers a smooth and subtle typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew Bobagum utilize different housing materials, leading to distinct characteristics in their performance. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel to the switches. In contrast, the Bobagum employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the materials differ, both of these top housings contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying sound when releasing a key.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus incorporates a nylon material, which is renowned for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Conversely, the Bobagum utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares the same "boba plastic" as the top housing. This bottom housing material also contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, again owing to its softness. Although the materials differ, both switch options offer similar sound characteristics due to their soft and absorbent properties.
When considering the overall typing experience, it's important to understand the influence of the top and bottom housings. While the bottom housing primarily impacts the sound and feel during the actuation and bottom-out stages, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials will ultimately affect the overall sound profile of the switch. Considering this, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gazzew Bobagum deliver similar results in terms of sound quality, albeit through different combinations of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Blue Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Bobagum's 46 grams, making it require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Lotus again has a higher force of 65 grams compared to the Bobagum's 62 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience overall.
Weight is an important consideration for many individuals. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find it beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming use, as it reduces the strain on their fingers and allows for increased endurance. For such users, the Bobagum switch with its lighter actuation force can be a suitable choice. However, for those who appreciate a stronger push and desire a more substantial typing experience, the Blue Lotus with its heavier forces may be preferable.
In terms of similarities, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out, providing a balance between light and heavy forces. This means that regardless of the specific force measurements, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, seek out switches with shorter travel distances for faster response times. In this case, the Blue Lotus would be the preferred choice for those who prioritize responsiveness, as it has a slightly shorter travel distance. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the Bobagum more to their liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether one desires a quicker and more immediate keystroke or a deeper and more satisfying press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This gives a satisfying and full-bodied acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum switches have a muted sound profile, producing softer and quieter typing noises. This makes them ideal for those who prefer a more subdued and unobtrusive typing experience. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a unique blend of qualities. They are described as accented switches, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This ensures a notable tactile feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, these switches are snappy, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs used, making typing feel lively and responsive. The Blue Lotus switches are also described as stepped, meaning they have a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum switches deliver an unparalleled level of smoothness with an almost matte-like feel. While the exact feel of these switches is not explicitly described, their unique texture provides a one-of-a-kind tactile experience. These linear switches are said to offer a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel. Moreover, their sound signature is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces where noise may be a concern.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches excel in providing a marked tactile feel, snappiness, and vibrant RGB illumination. They offer a bassy sound profile and a combination of accented, snappy, and stepped tactile qualities. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with their unique texture and deliver a nearly silent typing sound. While precise information on their feel is not available, they are described as having a subtle resistance. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. However, if you enjoy a tactile experience with a marked tactile feel, the Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice, whereas if you prefer a smooth and silent linear switch, the Bobagum switches are an excellent option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are someone who values a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a unique blend of tactile intensity and snappiness, making each keystroke feel satisfying. Additionally, the vibrant RGB illumination adds a visually captivating element to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum switches are a perfect fit. These switches redefine smoothness with their unique 'matte' feel and offer unparalleled tactility. They also produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making them ideal for shared spaces. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and Gazzew Bobagum switches comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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