Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Box CJ
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Box CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Box CJ mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Bobagum switch is praised for its unique smoothness and almost 'matte' feel, offering an unparalleled level of tactility and a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Box CJ switch is known for its swift characteristics and higher-pitched clacks, providing typists with a rapid response and an impossibly smooth push feel. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy'. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound profile, tactility, and push feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Box CJ switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile due to the softness of the material. In contrast, the Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the Bobagum's boba plastic creates a more mellow tone compared to the Box CJ's polycarbonate, which produces a more vibrant and clear sound.
Additionally, the bottom housing material of the Bobagum and Box CJ switches also plays a crucial role in the overall sound profile. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to the switch's rich and deep sound profile, complementing the softness of the top housing. Conversely, the Box CJ's nylon bottom housing enhances the switch's sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a deeper and fuller tone. The choice of bottom housing material in each switch showcases a balance between softness and absorption in the Bobagum and a focus on creating a fuller sound in the Box CJ.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Box CJ switches result in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Bobagum's use of the same proprietary blend for both top and bottom housings creates a consistent and harmonious sound, while the Box CJ's combination of polycarbonate and nylon provides a blend of sharpness and depth in sound. Despite these distinctions, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results whether they prefer a softer, mellow tone or a sharper, crisper sound.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, it is evident that the Bobagum switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Box CJ's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Bobagum is also higher at 62 grams, while the Box CJ measures at 57 grams. This means that the Bobagum switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, making them suitable for users who prefer a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. For those who enjoy a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Gateron Box CJ may be the preferred choice. Conversely, users who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gazzew Bobagum. In either case, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with slight variations in the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gateron Box CJ linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Bobagum offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Box CJ linear switch provides a bit more depth in key press, which can be more comfortable for typing longer documents or emails. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with each offering its own advantages based on the different travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Box CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box CJ for $5.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy quality. Additionally, the Box CJ also has a neutral sound profile and a unique chirpy characteristic. The sound of these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle typing experience with a gentle resistance, providing a light typing feel without being too feather-light. The sound signature of the Bobagum switch is also described as not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. The Box CJ's feel falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of typing characteristics.
Considering all the available information, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch is best known for its smoothness and nearly silent sound profile, providing a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the Box CJ switch is designed for rapid response with a higher-pitched clacky sound and an impossibly smooth push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, as both switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a switch with a medium bottom out force and an unparalleled smoothness with a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a swift response with a higher-pitched clack sound, then the Gateron Box CJ linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of smoothness, sound profile, and typing experience.
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