United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Aflion Blush vs. Gazzew Bobagum

An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gazzew Bobagum switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blush and the Gazzew Bobagum. The Aflion Blush is a linear switch that is best known for its impressively smooth and snappy typing experience. Its longer, two-stage spring provides a satisfying feel, while its long pole creates a distinctive poppy sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum is also a linear switch but is renowned for its unique tactility, offering a smoothness that is often compared to a matte finish. Additionally, these bubblegum-colored switches provide a nearly silent sound profile when typing. While these general descriptions give an initial impression, it's important to explore these switches further to make an informed decision based on your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

58g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

N/A

Pre-travel

N/A

Total travel

3.30 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

No

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

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Proprietary Gazzew blend

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Dual-stage stainless steel spring

Spring

Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring

Housing materials

The Aflion Blush and the Gazzew Bobagum differ in their choice of housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile. The softness of the blend contributes to the overall sound experience.

In terms of their bottom housings, the Blush employs a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Bobagum also utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, this blended plastic provides a rich and deep sound due to its softness. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel.

When comparing the sound characteristics influenced by the top and bottom housings, it is evident that each switch distributes these qualities differently. In the case of the Blush, the top housing predominantly affects the sound when a key is released, contributing to its sharp and crisp sound profile. Conversely, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, with the Bobagum, the top housing is responsible for the rich and deep sound experienced upon key release, while the bottom housing influences the overall sound and tactile feedback during typing. Although different housing materials are utilized, both the Blush and Bobagum achieve desirable sound profiles with their chosen materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switches, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Blush is unknown, while the Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams. Both switches, however, have a medium bottom out force, with the Blush at 58 grams and the Bobagum at 62 grams.

Considering weight, some users may prefer lighter switches like the Bobagum, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it a suitable choice for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for heavier switches. Unfortunately, since the actuation force of the Blush is unavailable, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of their push feel. Nonetheless, with both switches having a medium bottom out force, users can still expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. In this case, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the Aflion Blush with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper keystroke, the Gazzew Bobagum with its longer travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.

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 Aflion Blush switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a deeper, more bass-heavy tone, giving it a mellow and smooth sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum switch provides a muted sound experience. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making it ideal for situations where noise needs to be minimized. However, it's important to note that the sound of a keyboard switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blush switch is often described as creamy, silky, and buttery. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch's lubrication and specific materials contribute to its creamy sensation and overall smoothness. In contrast, the Gazzew Bobagum switch is considered subtle. It provides a gentle resistance, not too light nor too heavy, maintaining a delicate balance. This subtle resistance allows for a light typing feel while still offering enough feedback. Additionally, the Bobagum switch has a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.

Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blush switch stands out for its longer, two-stage spring, resulting in an impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing experience. Its long pole also adds a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum switch redefines smoothness with its matte-like feel, offering unparalleled tactility. It provides a nearly silent sound profile and a subtle resistance for a delicate typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities, and depending on your preferences, you can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blush and the Gazzew Bobagum are both excellent choices. The Blush switch stands out for its impressively smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole design. It offers a poppy sound signature and a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Bobagum switch redefines smoothness with its almost "matte" feel, providing unparalleled tactility. It offers a nearly silent sound profile and a muted sound. In terms of feel, the Blush switch is creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Bobagum switch, on the other hand, has a subtle feel with a gentle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice between the Blush and the Bobagum will depend on your preference for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article