Gazzew Bobagum vs. Kailh Box Jade

Overview

Introducing the Gazzew Bobagum, a linear switch, and the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch. These two mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct features and qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with their unique 'matte' feel, providing an unparalleled level of tactility. One of the most remarkable aspects of these bubblegum-colored switches is their nearly silent sound profile, making them perfect for those seeking a more muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Jades are known for their medium-heavy typing experience accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. These switches deliver crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, adding an invigorating element to your typing sessions. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision and select the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Box Jade differ in terms of their housing materials. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend plastic for its top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This material offers a softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a relatively stiffer plastic. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing also allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those seeking aesthetic appeal.

As for the bottom housing, the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend plastic is once again utilized, delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the Box Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a classic switch housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

It's worth noting that when the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material are split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Thus, both the Bobagum and the Box Jade offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials, with the Bobagum leaning towards a softer and deeper sound and the Box Jade offering a sharper and crisper tone. However, if one desires similar results to the Box Jade's aesthetic appeal and the Bobagum's deep sound profile, they may opt for a switch with a polycarbonate top housing and a Gazzew blend bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, we see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, both switches fall within the medium range. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Despite the slight variation, both switches can be considered medium in terms of weight.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bobagum may be a better choice as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This can allow for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Box Jade offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial push feel. This can be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger typing experience.

When it comes to the bottom out force, both switches have similar weights. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the keys will have a similar feel when fully pressed down.

Overall, the Gazzew Bobagum and Kailh Box Jade switches offer slightly different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. By considering personal preferences, such as the desire for a lighter or heavier typing experience, users can choose the switch that best suits their needs.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. While the exact travel distance is the same for both switches, it is worth noting that the Bobagum is a linear switch, while the Box Jade is a clicky switch. This means that the Box Jade will provide an audible click sound when pressed, adding an extra sensory feedback element to the typing experience. However, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same distance of 3.6 mm, ensuring consistent results in terms of keypress and overall typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the subjective qualities of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, the sound profiles of the two are quite different. The Bobagum switch is best described as muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. This is ideal for those who prefer a more discreet switch with minimal noise. On the other hand, the Box Jade switch has a high-pitched sound with crisp clicks. It produces a sharp and distinctive sound that adds an element of satisfaction to each keystroke, similar to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen for the setup.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch provides a unique tactile experience. It offers a subtle resistance, not overly feather-light, but still maintains a light and comfortable typing feel. The switch's tactile feedback is not overwhelming and is suitable for shared spaces due to its lack of resonance. On the other hand, the Box Jade switch offers an accented tactile feedback. It falls in the category of a medium tactile switch, providing a noticeable amount of tactility without being excessively overwhelming or subtle. The Box Jade switch offers an invigorating typing sensation, with a moderate to firm actuation force, snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive and engaging typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Bobagum switch stands out for its smoothness and unparalleled tactility, providing a unique matte-like feel. It also offers a nearly silent sound profile, making it ideal for quieter environments. On the other hand, the Box Jade switch is known for its medium-heavy typing experience, producing crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. It offers a high-pitched sound and an invigorating typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, it's important to note that both switches deliver excellent performance in their respective categories, allowing users to achieve similar satisfying results.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize smoothness and a near-silent typing experience, the Bobagum switches are the way to go. They provide a unique tactile feel that is smooth yet not slippery, offering a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a distinct clicky sound and noticeable tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches are perfect for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience.

In terms of sound, the Bobagum switches have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. If you prefer a softer and quieter typing experience, these switches are an excellent choice. In contrast, the Box Jade switches produce a high-pitched sound with sharp and crisp clicks. If you enjoy the rich and bassy sound profiles of certain switches, the Box Jades will provide that satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, they have a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves.

When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switches offer a subtle resistance, providing a light and gentle typing feel. They are suitable for shared spaces as their sound signature is not resonant. On the other hand, the Box Jade switches have an accented tactile feel, offering a notable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. They provide an invigorating and reactive typing sensation, engaging the user with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force.

Ultimately, your decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and nearly silent typing experience, go for the Bobagum switches. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and noticeable tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches are the way to go. Consider how important sound and feel are to you as well. Overall, both switches have their own strengths and unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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Kailh Box Jade Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more