Gazzew Bobagum vs. Kailh Box Royal

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Box Royal. The Bobagum switches are known for their unique smoothness that goes beyond the typical glide of other switches. With a matte-like feel and unrivaled tactility, these bubblegum-colored switches provide a one-of-a-kind typing experience. Not only that, but they also offer a near-silent sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royals are all about extreme tactility. These switches boast a sharp and binary tactility that is hard to beat. If you're looking for a switch with an almost aggressive tactile response, the Box Royals are an excellent choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Box Royal differ in their housing materials, with the Bobagum featuring a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housings, while the Box Royal utilizes nylon for both. The Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a similar characteristic, as it is also a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Gazzew blend in the Bobagum continues to provide a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This material enhances the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, providing a smooth and cushioned experience. Similarly, the Box Royal's nylon bottom housing, being a relatively softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thus, both switches exhibit similar qualities in their bottom housings, creating a satisfying tactile experience during typing.

Although the housing materials in the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Box Royal differ, their impacts on the sound profile are quite comparable. Both the Gazzew blend top housing and the nylon top housing result in a deeper and fuller sound when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of the top housing in the overall sound experience. Additionally, the softness of both the Gazzew blend bottom housing and the nylon bottom housing play a crucial role in enhancing the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, despite the differences in materials, the switches ultimately offer similar results in terms of 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 Royal tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Bobagum requires 46 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Box Royal requires a slightly lighter 45 grams. This slight difference may not have a significant impact on typing experience, so users can expect similar results when it comes to actuation.

However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a noticeable disparity. The Bobagum has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when pressing all the way down. On the other hand, the Box Royal offers a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, falling into the medium-heavy range. This makes the Box Royal a viable option for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions without causing fatigue. In this regard, the Bobagum may be more suitable due to its slightly lighter actuation force. However, for users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Box Royal with its heavier bottom out force may be the better choice.

In summary, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch have similar actuation forces but differ in terms of bottom out forces. While the Bobagum provides a medium level of resistance for both actuation and bottoming out, the Box Royal offers a slightly lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired resistance levels.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the results will be similar regardless of whether you choose the Bobagum or the Box Royal for your keyboard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch provides a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a high-pitched sound. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

As for feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle typing experience. It has a gentle resistance that is not too featherlight, providing a light typing feel. Additionally, the switch's sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. If you prefer a switch with a more aggressive tactility, the Box Royal may be the perfect choice for you.

In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum provides a nearly silent sound profile and a subtle, smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal offers a high-pitched sound and a sharp, aggressive tactile feel. Depending on your preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps in order to achieve the desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and silent typing experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer unparalleled tactility with a unique "matte" feel. They provide a gentle resistance and a subtle typing feel, making them suitable for shared spaces. The muted sound profile minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a more aggressive and sharp tactile experience, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the perfect choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches have a sharp and binary tactility. The high-pitched sound profile produces a crisp and sharp sound when pressed. The strong and crisp tactile bump is prominent, providing high feedback intensity with each keypress. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Whether you prioritize smoothness and silence or crave a more aggressive tactility, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Box Royal can offer distinct typing experiences for different preferences. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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