Gazzew Bobagum vs. Kailh Box White
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Box White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Box White, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for discerning typists. The Bobagum switch is best known for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a distinct texture that falls between the gliding feel of ice-skating and the roughness of unlubed switches. With its muted and subtle sound profile, typing on these bubblegum-colored switches is nearly silent. On the other hand, the Box White switch offers maximum audio feedback, delivering a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and pronounced tactility. Categorized as resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished, these clicky switches are perfect for those who crave an accentuated typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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 White switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The proprietary Gazzew blend top housing of the Bobagum, known as "boba plastic," provides a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box White creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches featuring RGB lighting. While both materials offer unique sound qualities, the Bobagum's top housing produces a softer and more immersive sound experience, while the Box White's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and sharpness.
Similarly, the housing materials used for the bottom housing of the switches also have distinct sound effects. The proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing of the Bobagum, similar to its top housing, delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Box White results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Each material brings its own characteristics to the switch's sound, with the Bobagum's bottom housing emphasizing richness and depth and the Box White's nylon bottom housing emphasizing a fuller and slightly muted sound.
In terms of usability, the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall experience of using the switches. When pressing down on the switches, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is primarily influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. Therefore, for the Gazzew Bobagum, the softness of its proprietary blend contributes to a slightly cushioned and satisfying bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the sound when letting go of a key is more influenced by the top housing. For the Box White, the stiffer polycarbonate top housing enhances the crispness and clarity of the sound when keys are released. While the housing materials differ, both switches offer unique properties that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Bobagum has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Box White's 50 grams, indicating that a slightly gentler press is required to trigger a keystroke on the Bobagum. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Bobagum measuring at 62 grams and the Box White at 60 grams. This means that once the key is pressed all the way down, both switches provide a relatively similar resistance.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Bobagum with its lower actuation force, allowing for longer and more comfortable typing sessions. This could be ideal for individuals who use their keyboard extensively at work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Box White with its slightly heavier actuation force. This provides a stronger push, offering a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
In summary, while the Gazzew Bobagum and Kailh Box White switches may differ in their actuation forces, both provide a similar bottom out force. Depending on personal preference and desired typing experience, users can choose between a lighter actuation force with the Bobagum or a slightly heavier one with the Box White, ensuring that their keyboard matches their specific needs and preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch have an equal travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that typing experiences with both switches will be consistent and provide similar results.
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 White comes in at $2.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The sound is minimal and doesn't draw much attention, making it perfect for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White clicky switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. The sound is clean, sharp, and reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It offers maximum audio feedback and is ideal for those who enjoy a more immersive auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switch offers a unique tactile sensation. It has an almost "matte" feel that is not as smooth as ice-skating yet not as textured as unlubed switches. This distinctive texture contributes to its unparalleled tactility, providing a one-of-a-kind typing experience. The resistance of the Bobagum switch is subtle, offering a gentle resistance that is not too heavy but still maintains a light typing feel. Furthermore, the sound signature of the Bobagum switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is desired.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box White switch has a polished feel. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The materials used and/or factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel with these switches. Typing on the Box White switch feels smooth and effortless, offering a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a sleek and refined feel.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch provides a nearly silent sound profile, a unique tactile feel, and a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Box White switch offers a resonant, high-pitched sound profile with crunchy feedback and a polished, smooth feel. Both switches have their own advantages and cater to different preferences. If you desire maximum audio feedback and a clicky experience, the Box White switch is a great choice. If you prefer a quieter and more tactile typing experience, the Bobagum switch will suit you better. Remember that the overall typing experience can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and almost "matte" feel with unparalleled tactility, along with a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the perfect choice for you. These bubblegum-colored switches redefine smoothness and offer a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer maximum audio feedback and enjoy the sensation of typing on crunchy autumn leaves, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the way to go. These clicky switches provide a clean and sharp sound profile, with a higher-pitched and resonant typing experience. Additionally, if you value a gentle resistance and a typing feel that is not too heavy, the Bobagum switch is suitable. However, if you prefer a polished and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience, the Box White switch is the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider what you value most in a switch and select accordingly.
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