Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gazzew Bobagum

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gazzew Bobagum, both of which are linear switches. The Blue Sky switch is highly regarded for its long pole stem, providing users with a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Bobagum switch redefines smoothness entirely with an almost 'matte' texture, offering a unique tactility that is unparalleled. Despite its bubblegum-colored appearance, this switch produces a nearly silent sound profile. As you can see, both switches offer distinct qualities that make them stand out, but let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gazzew Bobagum keyboards differ significantly. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is useful for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Bobagum employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing made of "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend produces a rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its softness. While both materials contribute to sound quality, the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes sharpness, while the Bobagum's "boba plastic" focuses on richness.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Sky incorporates a nylon material, known for creating a deep and full sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Bobagum also utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing, which is referred to as "boba plastic." This material, like its top housing, contributes to a rich and deep sound profile owing to its softness. While both switches employ soft materials for the bottom housing, the Blue Sky's nylon emphasizes depth, while the Bobagum's "boba plastic" offers a similarly rich sound.

Despite their differences, there are also some similarities between the two keyboards' housing materials. Both the Blue Sky and the Bobagum have soft bottom housings, which contribute to a deep and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the top housing materials of both keyboards play a crucial role in sound production. While the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing enhances clarity and provides a sharp sound, the Bobagum's "boba plastic" delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Thus, even though the materials differ, both keyboards offer distinct sound profiles that are a result of their respective top and bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Sky requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Bobagum requires slightly less at 46 grams. Both switches fall under the medium actuation force category.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Bobagum is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 62 grams. Thus, the Bobagum can provide a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Considering weight, the lighter weight of a switch is often favored by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. This lightness allows for reduced fatigue and increased comfort. In this aspect, the Blue Sky may be a preferred choice as it has a lighter actuation force compared to the Bobagum.

Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the Aflion Blue Sky and Gazzew Bobagum linear switches, both switches can provide a medium typing experience. The Bobagum offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, which may be preferred by individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel. Conversely, the Blue Sky's lighter actuation force makes it suitable for those desiring longer typing sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, we can see that the Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bobagum. The 4 mm travel distance of the Blue Sky falls into the category of a more traditional distance, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Bobagum can be considered slightly shallower.

The choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and use case scenarios. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. In this regard, the Bobagum with its 3.6 mm travel distance might be the preferred option for gamers seeking heightened responsiveness. However, for individuals who enjoy a deeper key press, the Blue Sky's 4 mm travel distance may be more suitable. It is important to consider that some people might find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, hence opting for the switch with the longer travel distance.

In conclusion, while the Blue Sky has a longer travel distance of 4 mm and the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, both switches provide distinct advantages depending on personal preference and specific requirements.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This makes it ideal for those who want to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle and approachable typing feel, making it suitable for most users. The smooth and refined finish of the switch, whether through materials used or factory lubing, results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a subtle typing experience. It has a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, while also providing a sound signature that is not resonant. This makes it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is desired.

Taking all the available information into account, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience, high-pitched sound profile, and mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is renowned for its smoothness, almost 'matte' feel, near-silent sound profile, and subtle typing experience. While they have their distinct qualities, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience and can be suitable for different preferences. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide similar results in terms of a smooth and satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when making a decision between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, there are a few factors to consider.

If you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, then the Blue Sky switch is the way to go. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a high-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes and preferences. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch has a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and sleek typing experience.

On the other hand, if you value unparalleled tactility with an almost 'matte' feel, along with a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum switch is the right choice. It has a slightly higher bottom-out force, which can provide a bit more stability and feedback. The Bobagum switch offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Moreover, its subtle typing feel and non-resonant sound signature make it ideal for shared spaces.

Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and noise level. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your overall keyboarding experience. Therefore, assess your needs and preferences carefully to make the best choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more