Gazzew Bobagum vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew Bobagum and Huano Caramel Latte are two standout options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Gazzew Bobagum switches are celebrated for their unique almost 'matte' texture, providing an unmatched typing feel that lies comfortably between polished and unlubed switches. With their muted sound profile, they offer a nearly silent typing experience, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a discreet setup. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte switches boast a medium weight of 50g upon bottoming out and deliver a bright, clacky sound that enhances the tactile pleasure of every keystroke. Their smooth operation makes them ideal for both gaming and typing tasks, allowing users to savor each interaction with clarity. While both switches cater to linear switch lovers, their characteristics cater to different preferences in sound, feedback, and aesthetic. 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
55g
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
POK
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Caramel Latte both serve distinct roles in shaping the auditory and tactile experience of keyboard switches, yet they exhibit notable differences. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, which, due to its softness, contributes to a rich sound profile characterized by depth. In contrast, the Caramel Latte employs POK material, known for its smoothness and durability, marked by a low coefficient of friction. This results in a more pronounced and consistent tactile feedback, typically manifesting as a clacky sound signature. While both materials promise an engaging typing experience, the methodologies behind achieving that experience differ; the Bobagum's softness offers warmth and resonance, whereas the Caramel Latte's durability enhances precision and responsiveness.
On the flip side, the bottom housing materials exhibit a blend of compatibility and contrast. The Gazzew Bobagum employs the same proprietary Gazzew blend, reinforcing its deep sound profile, while the Caramel Latte relies on nylon, a classic choice renowned for its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This allows the Caramel Latte to deliver a fuller and rounder sound profile, although it may lack the same resonance offered by the Bobagum's top housing. When typing on both switches, the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel of bottoming out; the Bobagum's soft blend provides gentle feedback while the nylon in the Caramel Latte adds to the richness of the overall auditory experience.
Ultimately, while both the Gazzew Bobagum and Huano Caramel Latte incorporate advanced materials to enhance their switches, they achieve their desired auditory effects through a delicate balance of their respective housing compositions. The soft Gazzew blend stands in contrast to the robust POK and the classic nylon, illustrating the distinct approaches to crafting a unique typing experience. Even with different materials, the Bobagum and Caramel Latte can create similar results through how their designs split the contributions of the top and bottom housings; each switch harnesses the audible qualities from its unique blend to ensure a satisfying outcome, regardless of the composites used.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch with the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, we find that there is a notable difference in their actuation forces, although both feature the same bottom out force. The Bobagum switch has an unknown actuation force, while the Caramel Latte has a defined actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches bottom out at 55 grams, indicating that they require the same force to fully depress the key. This means that if the Bobagum's actuation force were to be determined and found to be equal to or similar to 45 grams, users would likely experience comparable performance in terms of keystroke triggering. In terms of weight, the Bobagum’s lack of known actuation force presents an uncertainty, but the Caramel Latte is clearly the lighter option with its 45 grams. For those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Caramel Latte would be the more suitable choice, while if the Bobagum is found to have a higher actuation force, it may provide a heftier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users will experience similar actuation distances when pressing down on the keys of either switch. As a result, both switches will provide a consistent tactile feedback and response during use, making them equally appealing for those who prefer a shorter travel distance. Overall, since their travel distances are the same, users can expect comparable typing experiences with both the Bobagum and Caramel Latte switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte 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 offers a nearly silent typing experience, characterized by its muted sound profile that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for those who seek a more subdued auditory experience, perfect for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is known for its bright and clacky sound profile, which delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This contrast means that while the Bobagum caters to those who prefer a quieter operation, the Caramel Latte is aimed at enthusiasts who enjoy a more dynamic sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch is lauded for its smoothness and subtle resistance, offering a unique tactile experience that sits between overly smooth and textured. This 'matte' feel provides an excellent balance, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Conversely, the Caramel Latte switch, while also praised for its smoothness, offers a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, which can lead to a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the Bobagum will appeal to those who appreciate a discreet yet satisfying feel, while the Caramel Latte will resonate with individuals who prefer a bit more heft in their switches.
Overall, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Huano Caramel Latte switches provide distinct yet enjoyable experiences. The Bobagum stands out with its near-silent operation and subtle tactile feel, making it ideal for quiet environments. Meanwhile, the Caramel Latte provides a lively sound and a medium weight that many typists and gamers may find invigorating. While personal preference will heavily influence which switch is better suited for an individual, opting for either will promise a fulfilling typing experience, albeit on different ends of the auditory and tactile spectrum.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches should ultimately depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a smooth, nearly silent typing experience with a unique 'matte' feel that doesn't call too much attention, the Bobagum is an excellent fit, especially in shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized. Its subtle resistance ensures a gentle typing action that can be enjoyable for long work sessions without being fatiguing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more acoustic feedback and enjoy the brighter, clacky sound profile that makes each keystroke feel more lively and engaging, the Caramel Latte is the way to go. Its smoothness adds a delightful touch to your typing rhythm but may not be as discreet in quieter environments. Therefore, consider your personal typing style and the settings in which you plan to use your keyboard to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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