Gazzew Bobagum vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, two notable options are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their unique, almost matte feel, which strikes a balance between a polished glide and the raw texture of unlubed switches, offering an unparalleled tactile experience. Their nearly silent operation makes them ideal for quiet environments, appealing to those who favor a muted and subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Bumblebee Linear switches deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience complemented by a bright sound profile, making them a great choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. While both switches excel in providing smoothness suitable for linear switch enthusiasts, their distinct sound characteristics and tactile experiences cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches are constructed using different materials for their housing, which directly influences their acoustic and tactile characteristics. The Bobagum features a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for both its top and bottom housings, a material noted for its softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile during both keystrokes and releases. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear employs POM for its top housing, known for generating a unique sound that leans towards the deeper side while being relatively muted. Meanwhile, the bottom housing of the Bumblebee Linear is made from nylon, a traditional yet effective material that absorbs sound and produces a fuller typing experience. Therefore, while the Bobagum maintains consistency in its housing material, with robustness across all aspects of sound and feel, the Bumblebee Linear combines different materials to enhance particular sound qualities distinctly between the top and the bottom housing.
In terms of acoustic outcomes, both switch designs aim to create a pleasing typing experience, albeit through different methodologies. The Bobagum, with its unified "boba plastic" composition, ensures a seamless integration of sound properties, leading to a cohesive auditory profile throughout the entire keystroke. By using the same soft material, both the bottom-out sound and the release sound maintain a certain richness. Conversely, the Bumblebee Linear's dual-material approach yields a more segmented sound experience. The nylon bottom housing plays a critical role in softening the key bottom-out sounds due to its sound-absorbent nature, while the POM top delivers a more controlled release sound. As a result, those looking for a distinct separation of sound profiles may find the Bumblebee Linear's unique combination appealing, as it caters to varied auditory preferences with its layered design.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear will come down to the desired balance of tactile feedback and sound profile. Users who favor a unified sound experience may lean towards the Bobagum with its consistent material usage. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more pronounced distinction in sound during typing versus releasing might prefer the Bumblebee Linear, given its nylon and POM combination. Despite the differences, both switches promise a rich auditory experience; thus, while their construction may vary, the pursuit of satisfying typing acoustics remains central to both designs, potentially leading to similarly enjoyable results depending on user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch to the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum switch has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in that regard, but it features a bottom out force of 55 grams, which classifies it as medium-light. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Bumblebee Linear is the lighter switch overall, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out than the Bobagum. For users who prioritize a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, the Bumblebee Linear would be the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Bobagum, given its medium-light bottom out feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, you'll experience the same distance traveled for each switch, leading to similar tactile feedback and overall actuation feel. Because their travel distances are equal, users can expect comparable performance when using these switches in a keyboard, resulting in a consistent typing experience whether one chooses the Bobagum or the Bumblebee Linear.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, the Bobagum excels in providing a muted sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This softer auditory experience makes it a great choice for those in shared spaces or environments where noise levels need to be kept lower. On the other hand, while the Bumblebee Linear switch is noted for its bright sound profile, specific details on its exact sound characteristics are yet to be defined. Thus, while Bobagum offers a quieter experience, the Bumblebee Linear’s sound remains uncertain.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch delivers an unmatched typing experience characterized by a subtle resistance that feels gentle yet supportive. This not only contributes to its smooth operation but also ensures that it won’t resonate too heavily, making it suitable for quieter environments. The Bumblebee Linear switch’s feel is not explicitly described, leading to a bit of ambiguity; however, one can infer that the smooth typing experience typical of linear switches may also be present in the Bumblebee variant.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches cater to distinct preferences within the linear switch category. The Bobagum switch provides a muted sound profile and offers a subtle feel, making it an excellent option for those who prefer discretion without sacrificing smoothness. While the Bumblebee Linear offers a bright sound profile and likely a smooth typing experience, the lack of detailed descriptions leaves it open to interpretation. Ultimately, if noise level and a unique typing feel are paramount to you, the Bobagum may be the preferred choice, while the Bumblebee Linear remains a notable option awaiting further exploration.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, your choice really hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a medium-light touch with a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum is an excellent option, especially if you're working in shared spaces or simply appreciate a more subdued auditory experience. Its unique 'matte' feel enhances the overall typing experience, providing a highly satisfying tactile sensation without the noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a brighter sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is the better fit for you. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience that can make typing feel more energetic and engaging. Both switches cater to different tastes, so consider your typing style, the nature of your environment, and how sound and feel affect your workflow to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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