Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron CAP Anniversary, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The Bobagum is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and almost matte feel, providing a tactile experience that is one of a kind. Typing on these bubblegum-colored switches results in a nearly silent sound profile, appealing to those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary switches stand out for their novel CAP structure, offering exceptionally smooth keystrokes. The aerodynamic design of the stem reduces resistance and enhances smoothness, while the enlarged, hollowed-out stem post ensures stability and minimal wobble. Categorized as muted, subtle for the Bobagum and snappy, creamy, polished for the CAP Anniversary, both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron CAP Anniversary, one can see distinct differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for its softness, delivers a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the softness of the Gazzew blend. While the Bobagum offers a more rounded and soothing sound experience, the CAP Anniversary provides a more clear and resonant sound quality.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing, delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile produced by the Gazzew blend. The choice between these two housing materials ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound profiles.
Despite their differences, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron CAP Anniversary utilize proprietary blends in their top housing, resulting in unique and desirable sound profiles. The use of specialized plastics in switch housings allows for customization and fine-tuning of sound characteristics. While the Gazzew blend top housing produces a rich and deep sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary results in a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing offers a soft and soothing sound experience, while the nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary provides a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound profiles.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Bobagum requiring 62 grams and the CAP Anniversary needing 65 grams. The Bobagum would be more suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing users with a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Bobagum has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the CAP Anniversary. The shorter travel distance of the Bobagum may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may opt for the Gateron CAP Anniversary.Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch's sound quality is unknown. Depending on the keyboard housing and keycaps used, the sound can vary for both switches.
Moving onto the feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is known for its subtle tactile feedback, offering a gentle resistance that is comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. The typing experience is smooth and 'matte', providing a unique feel that stands out from traditional linear switches. In contrast, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is described as snappy, offering super responsive keystrokes due to its design featuring aerodynamic principles and enhanced stability. Additionally, the CAP Anniversary switch is also described as creamy and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and wobble.
Overall, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bobagum switch provides a quieter typing experience with subtle tactility, the CAP Anniversary switch offers a snappy and polished feel with enhanced smoothness. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, although with different characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you value a smooth and almost 'matte' feel with a nearly silent sound, the Bobagum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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