TTC Bluish White vs. Gazzew Bobagum
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gazzew Bobagum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the TTC Bluish White and the Gazzew Bobagum. The Bluish White switches are perfect for those who crave a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. They offer a snappy sound profile and have been categorized as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with an almost "matte" feel. They provide a unique tactile experience that is unparalleled and are known for their bubblegum-colored appearance. Additionally, they offer a nearly silent sound profile when typing. While these general distinctions can help you begin to understand each switch's unique qualities, 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gazzew Bobagum, it is evident that they differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile attributed to its softness. While both materials provide distinct sound characteristics, the Bluish White's polycarbonate offers a more defined and precise tonal quality, whereas the Bobagum's Gazzew blend presents a softer and more resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Bluish White incorporates a nylon material. Nylon is known for its classic switch housing properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum employs its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares the "boba plastic" composition with its top housing counterpart. This implies that the Bobagum maintains a consistent sound profile throughout its housing materials, as the softness of the blend delivers a rich and deep sound.
In terms of user experience, the impact of the housing materials can be felt differently for each switch type. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, as it has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, the sound produced upon releasing a key is primarily influenced by the top housing. Therefore, the choice between the TTC Bluish White and Gazzew Bobagum depends on individual preferences for the specific sound characteristics offered by their respective housing materials. While both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience, their divergence in sound profiles through different materials ensures users can find an option that best suits their auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Bobagum has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams of force, while the Bobagum requires a heavier 62 grams. This means that the Bobagum provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push feel compared to the Bluish White. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Bluish White would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bobagum would appeal to users who prefer a heavier switch for a more satisfying keystroke. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer different options to cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch, it has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, you may lean towards the TTC Bluish White with its slightly shorter travel distance. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt. If you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Gazzew Bobagum with its slightly longer travel distance may be a better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch is known for its low-pitched profile. This means that it produces a deeper and more mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is described as muted, offering a softer and quieter sound. It minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch has several descriptors. It is described as buttery, which means it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, it is considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. The switch also has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. It has some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a more mild and subtle tactile response. Finally, the Bluish White switch has a subtle and polished feel, with a gentle resistance and a smooth and refined finish. These qualities result in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is described as having a subtle feel. This means that it offers a gentle resistance without being too light or too heavy. It maintains a light typing feel without feeling feather-like. It should be noted that the Bobagum switch does not have as detailed or varied descriptions of its tactile characteristics compared to the Bluish White switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles. The Bluish White switch has a low-pitched sound and a variety of tactile qualities, including a buttery, mild, stepped, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Bobagum switch has a muted sound and a subtler feel. While the subjective experiences of sound and feel may differ between individuals, these descriptions provide a general understanding of what to expect from each switch. If you are seeking a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound, the TTC Bluish White may be the choice for you. If you prefer a nearly silent sound profile and a subtler feel, the Gazzew Bobagum may be more suitable.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a snappy sound profile and a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, if you're looking for unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the perfect choice. With a medium bottom out force, these switches redefine smoothness with their unique 'matte' feel. They offer a subtle resistance and are suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for typing experience, sound, and feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what matters most to you and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience to the fullest.
Mentioned in this article
