Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Cabbage Tofu each offer their own unique qualities and advantages. The Bobagum is best known for its smoothness, providing a tactile experience that is unmatched. With its almost 'matte' feel, these bubblegum-colored linear switches offer a level of tactility that is truly one of a kind. Additionally, they provide a nearly silent sound profile, making them perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch stands out for its improved tactility and responsiveness. Thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring, typists will notice a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for a quicker transition between keystrokes. These linear switches also produce a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, adding a unique auditory experience to your typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Cabbage Tofu offer distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," is soft, which contributes to a rich and deep sound. In contrast, the Cabbage Tofu's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, they differ in terms of softness and stiffness. If you are looking for a softer and more resonant sound, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend top housing may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper and more distinct sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Cabbage Tofu would be a better option, especially for those who plan to use RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gazzew Bobagum features its proprietary Gazzew blend, while the KTT Cabbage Tofu utilizes nylon. The Gazzew blend is known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Conversely, nylon as a housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tonality. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing might gravitate towards the Cabbage Tofu with its nylon bottom housing. However, if a rich and deep sound is more desirable, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing would be a suitable choice.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Cabbage Tofu differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend top and bottom housing offer a softness that produces a rich and deep sound. In contrast, the Cabbage Tofu features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, and a nylon bottom housing providing a fuller and deeper tone. While both switches offer unique characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have medium actuation forces, with the Bobagum requiring 46 grams and the Cabbage Tofu requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bobagum is heavier with a force of 62 grams, while the Cabbage Tofu is lighter with a force of 53 grams.
The weight of the switches is worth considering as it can impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel may benefit from the Cabbage Tofu switch, as it allows for prolonged typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. This would be ideal for someone using a keyboard for work or long gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Bobagum switch may be a better choice. The heavier bottom out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback that some users may prefer.
In terms of similarities, both switches fall within the medium actuation force range, which means that the actuation itself will feel fairly similar between the two. Although the bottom out forces differ, both switches can still provide a comfortable typing experience depending on personal preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to individual preferences for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch have different travel distances. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cabbage Tofu has a travel distance of 4 mm. While the Bobagum is shorter in travel distance, it is important to note that both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bobagum may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing may find the longer travel distance of the Cabbage Tofu to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cabbage Tofu has an MSRP of $3.25 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cabbage Tofu for $2.75.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is best described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. Typing on the Bobagum switches results in a nearly silent sound profile, which is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch has a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, it is described as high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bobagum linear switch offers a subtle typing experience. This means that it has a gentle resistance that is not overly feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. The switch's sound signature is also described as non-resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The creamy feel of the switch is attributed to its smooth and buttery typing experience, which can be a result of lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. The polished aspect of the switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switch is also described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The snappy nature of the switch comes from its super responsiveness, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs which make the typing experience feel more alive.
To conclude, while the Gazzew Bobagum and KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide unique experiences. The Bobagum switch stands out with its muted sound profile, offering a nearly silent typing experience. It also provides a subtle feel, with gentle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature. As for the Cabbage Tofu switch, it offers a clacky sound profile with high-pitched characteristics. Its feel is described as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and exceptional responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect an exceptional and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize smoothness and a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be the better choice for you. Its unique 'matte' feel and unparalleled tactility make typing a pleasure, and the muted sound ensures a quieter experience, which is ideal for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you value improved tactility and responsiveness, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is the way to go. With its longer 22mm spring, it offers a swift rebound after actuation, allowing for quicker transitions between keystrokes. The sound profile resembles the sharp and crisp sound of Mahjong tiles colliding, providing a clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you prefer a smooth and subtle typing feel (Bobagum) or a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience (Cabbage Tofu).