Gazzew Bobagum vs. Kailh Box White V2
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Box White V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role in the typing experience. On one hand, the Gazzew Bobagum switches offer users a distinctly smooth experience, characterized by an almost 'matte' feel that strikes a balance between polished and unlubed textures. Their muted sound profile ensures a nearly silent typing experience, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a refined, subtle touch without the distraction of noise. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White V2 switches cater to users who thrive on tactile feedback, delivering a satisfying click with each keystroke. This clicky sensation not only enhances the typing experience but also provides audible confirmation of each press, which can be particularly gratifying for typists and gamers alike. While both switches bring unique qualities to the table, making the choice between them depends on whether one prioritizes smoothness and silence or tactile feedback and sound. 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
50g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and Kailh Box White V2 switches represent differing philosophies in switch material selection, which ultimately shapes their acoustical characteristics and tactile feedback. The Bobagum features a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, contributing to a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its soft nature. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound. This material's stiffness allows it to achieve clarity and resonance that contrasts markedly with the Bobagum's softer output. The choice of materials results in distinct auditory experiences; users seeking depth may find solace in the Bobagum whereas those looking for brightness may gravitate toward the Kailh Box White V2.
Examining the bottom housings further emphasizes the differences in approach to sound profile creation. The Bobagum's bottom housing also utilizes the "boba plastic," ensuring that the switch maintains its softer, deeper auditory signature throughout its structure. Conversely, the Kailh Box White V2 employs nylon, a time-honored material in the realm of mechanical switches. Nylon’s inherent absorption of sound produces a fuller, rounder tone that harmonizes with its top housing's polycarbonate for a balanced auditory experience. Although both the Bobagum and Box White V2 arrive at different sound textures through the materials employed, they each find a way to balance the qualities of their component parts.
Despite these material divergences, an interesting parallel can be drawn in the sound profiles produced by each switch. The Bobagum's cohesive use of soft materials throughout both the top and bottom houses leads to a consistent and luxurious sound experience, while the Kailh Box White V2 achieves a similar effect through the combination of a sharper top housing and a slightly softer bottom housing. The differing impacts of the top and bottom housings on sound characteristics mean that while users of either switch may enjoy unique experiences, both switches can ultimately serve similar purposes when considering overall sound output and tactile feedback. Depending on user preference, one may choose a switch that emphasizes their desired auditory quality, be it the richness of the Bobagum or the crispness of the Box White V2, while still appreciating the foundational similarities in the way these materials influence sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum's actuation force is unspecified, which means we cannot directly compare this aspect to the Box White V2's actuation force of 45 grams; however, the Bobagum does have a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is classified as medium-light. In contrast, the Box White V2 features both a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction indicates that the Box White V2 is generally the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users looking for comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bobagum may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel, thanks to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, user preference will dictate which switch feels best, but those seeking a lighter experience should gravitate toward the Kailh Box White V2.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch have an identical 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 depth of travel, resulting in a similar feel during typing or gaming. The equivalent travel distances provide a unified tactile experience, making these switches compatible in setups where a consistent key response is desired. Thus, users can expect comparable results in terms of actuation and feedback when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch features a nearly silent sound profile, offering a muted typing experience that minimizes the typical noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter workspace or need to be considerate in shared environments. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is characterized by its distinct click sound, providing a crisp auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying and rewarding. This clickiness can add an engaging element to typing, but it also means the Box White V2 is significantly more audible, potentially leading to noise issues in quiet settings.
When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switches excel with a unique smoothness akin to a matte texture, offering an unparalleled typing experience that is neither overly slick nor rough. The subtle resistance combined with a non-resonant sound signature enhances comfort during extended use, making them ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White V2 switches deliver a pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy the assurance of a tactile bump and the satisfying click that accompanies it. However, this switch may not provide the same level of smoothness as the Bobagum.
In summary, the Gazzew Bobagum and Kailh Box White V2 switches offer distinctly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum is a muted, smooth switch perfect for quiet environments, while the Box White V2 provides an audible click and pronounced tactile feedback that many find enjoyable. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile sensations, so consider your typing style and environment when making a decision.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a smooth and muted typing experience with a soft tactile feedback, the Bobagum is the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams makes it easy to type for long sessions without causing fatigue, and its subtle resistance allows for a gentle feel while minimizing noise—a perfect option for shared workspaces or quiet environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience, and you don't mind an audible click, the Box White V2 will likely suit your needs. With a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a satisfying click and tactile feedback that can enhance your typing enjoyment, especially in gaming or coding scenarios where you crave that extra auditory confirmation. Assess the environments in which you'll be using the keyboard and your personal preferences for sound and feel to determine which switch is the right fit for you.
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