Gazzew Bobagum vs. Akko Botany

Overview

When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko Botany stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering unique characteristics for different typing preferences. The Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with their distinctive 'matte' feel, straddling the line between polished and unlubed textures while providing a nearly silent experience—ideal for those who prioritize subtlety in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Akko Botany switches deliver a crisp and lively clacky sound, introducing a more engaging auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more personality in their keystrokes. While both switches offer their own set of benefits—muted smoothness versus lively acoustics—they cater to different styles and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Akko Botany Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko Botany both utilize materials that contribute significantly to the acoustic properties of their respective switches, yet they differ in their specific compositions. The Bobagum's top housing is made from a proprietary Gazzew blend of plastics known as "boba plastic," which provides a rich and deep sound profile characterized by its softness. This softness enhances sound absorption and contributes to a more sonorous typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Botany employs a traditional nylon material for its top housing, which is also noted for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Like the Bobagum's blend, the nylon's softer characteristics result in a sound that is rounder and less harsh, promoting a smoother auditory feedback when typing.

When looking at the bottom housings, both switches maintain a similar philosophy in sound engineering. The Bobagum features the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, which mirrors its top housing’s attributes by absorbing sound and contributing to a rich, deep audio experience. The Akko Botany pairs its top nylon with a nylon material for the bottom housing as well. This consistency ensures that both top and bottom housings complement each other adequately, creating an overall sound profile that is cohesive. While both switches utilize different materials—boba plastic for the Bobagum and nylon for the Botany—the end results reflect common themes of softness and audio absorption in both cases.

Despite the differing housing materials, particularly between the proprietary blend and nylon compositions, users can expect a similar typographic resonance and tactile experience due to the design intent behind each switch. Both types prioritize impact absorption and sound enrichment, which means that even if the acoustic qualities differ at times, the overall experience of each switch remains comfortably aligned. Consequently, the softer materials in both the Gazzew Bobagum and Akko Botany ultimately support comparable auditory and tactile feedback, catering to users eager for a fulfilling typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Bobagum switch has an actuation force that is unspecified, but it features a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Botany switch has a clearly defined actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which classifies it as light. This discrepancy indicates that the Botany switch requires less force to actuate, making it more suitable for users seeking a lighter typing experience. The Bobagum's higher bottom out force suggests a more substantial feedback upon a keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a stronger feel while typing or gaming. Overall, the Akko Botany is the lighter option, while the Gazzew Bobagum is the heavier choice, providing different tactile experiences based on individual preferences.

Travel distance

Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch have an equal travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable sensation when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, the overall actuation feel will be very similar, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch choice. This equivalence in travel distance allows enthusiasts to select between the two based on other factors, such as sound profile or build quality, while enjoying a uniform keypress action.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is notable for its exceptionally muted profile, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience. With a sound that is softer and more subdued than many other mechanical switches, it minimizes the typical noise associated with typing, which is particularly advantageous in shared workspaces or quieter environments. In stark contrast, the Akko Botany linear switch delivers a crisp and lively clacky sound right out of the box. This engaging auditory feedback can provide a lively typing experience that enthusiasts often seek, lending an invigorating character to each keystroke. Users who enjoy a more acoustic performance will find the Botany's sound profile appealing, while those looking for discretion will lean toward the muted qualities of the Bobagum.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum linear switch is characterized by its unique 'matte' texture that strikes a balance between smoothness and subtle resistance. This provides a light typing experience that is neither overly mushy nor overly rigid, making it pleasant for extended typing sessions. Its design allows for gentle feedback without any resonant sound, enhancing its suitability for shared spaces. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Akko Botany switches is not specified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, enthusiastic users often appreciate the tactile qualities of a lively and responsive switch, which suggests that the Botany could offer an engaging typing experience that contrasts with the Bobagum's smoothness.

Overall, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko Botany linear switches will largely depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. If you value a quieter environment with a soft yet smooth typing experience, the Bobagum is an excellent fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback with lively keypresses, the Botany may be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different typing styles and environments, allowing users to achieve a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to their needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, your choice largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a smoother feel with a unique, subtle texture that offers a muted sound profile, the Bobagum is an excellent choice, especially in settings where noise could be a concern. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams provides a satisfyingly balanced typing experience that doesn't require excessive effort. Conversely, if you enjoy a lighter tactile experience with a crisp, lively sound, the Botany switch could be more to your liking. With a bottom out force of just 45 grams, you’ll find it easier to actuate with a more energetic feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate that clacky sound while typing. In short, go for the Bobagum for stealth and smoothness, while the Botany caters to those seeking a brighter auditory experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more