Gazzew Bobagum vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique tactile experience, the Gazzew Bobagum and Kailh Box Navy switches are worth considering. The Bobagum switches redefine smoothness, providing a distinct 'matte' feel that sets them apart from other switches. With an unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, typing on these bubblegum-colored switches is a delight. On the other hand, the Box Navy switches offer an entirely different typing experience. Designed for those who enjoy a heavier feel and the iconic sound signature of clicky switches, they are reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The Box Navy switches promise a sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you the most.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
90g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Box Navy switches have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. Therefore, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Bobagum prioritizes a softer and deeper tone, while the Box Navy emphasizes a sharper and higher-pitched sound.
Similarly, the housing materials of the Bobagum and the Box Navy also differ in their bottom housings. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing, again made of the soft "boba plastic," contributes to its rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing of each switch plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel.
In terms of similarities, both switches utilize proprietary blends for their housing materials, showcasing the uniqueness of each. Additionally, while the characteristics of the top and bottom housings differ, both have a significant impact on the overall sound produced by the switch. The top housing influences the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Thus, despite their differences, the Gazzew Bobagum and Kailh Box Navy switches highlight the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, it becomes apparent that there are some notable differences. The Bobagum requires a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the Box Navy demands a heavier force of 60 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Bobagum is 62 grams, indicating a moderate resistance, whereas the Box Navy possesses a significantly higher bottom out force of 90 grams, signifying a heavy and more forceful typing experience. These variances in weight allow for diverse preferences in typing style, with the Bobagum providing a lighter option suitable for extended usage, such as in professional or gaming scenarios, and the Box Navy catering to those who prefer a substantial and stronger push feel. However, it's important to note that if one desires similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force, the Bobagum would provide a comparable experience to the Box Navy due to their similar medium and heavy classifications, respectively.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 3.6 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50.
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 provides a nearly silent typing experience. These switches have a muted sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound. Typing on the Box Navy switch will give you a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience, resembling the crisp and crunchy sound of autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a subtle typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance that provides a light typing feel. The tactile feedback is not as prominent, and the sound signature is not resonant, which makes it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch provides a sharp and invigorating feel. They have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The Box Navy switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the Box Navy switch is considered stiff, meaning it requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
Considering the available information, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch provides a smooth and nearly silent typing experience with a subtle feel, while the Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound with a sharp and invigorating feel. The choice between these switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience. If you're looking for a smooth and silent typing experience, the Bobagum switch would be a better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with distinct feedback and a unique clicky sound, the Box Navy switch would be the ideal choice. It's important to consider factors such as noise tolerance, typing style, and the environment in which the keyboard will be used when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize smoothness, unparalleled tactility, and a nearly silent typing experience, then the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium resistance that maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, it has a muted sound profile, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you're looking for a heavy typing experience, love the sound and feel of a clicky switch, and want to reminisce about the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is the perfect fit for you. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, it provides a sharp tactile bump and invigorating feedback. It has a resonant and crunchy sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and Kailh Box Navy switches depends on your preferences for smoothness, sound, and feel.
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