Gazzew Bobagum vs. Aflion Carrot

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two contenders in the market stand out for their unique characteristics: the Bobagum and the Carrot. The Bobagum is renowned for its unmatched smoothness, offering a matte-like feel that differs from the typical glide of ice-skating or the texture of unlubed switches. With its bubblegum-colored appearance, the Bobagum provides a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those seeking a more muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Carrot switch offers a playful tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. This switch delivers a bouncy feel that adds a touch of whimsy to your typing sessions. Additionally, the Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which enhances the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Carrot differ significantly in their impact on the sound profiles of the switches. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which is soft and results in a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Carrot features a polycarbonate top housing, which is relatively stiffer, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. So while both materials have their own unique acoustic properties, the Bobagum's boba plastic creates a softer and more mellow sound, while the Carrot's polycarbonate produces a more vibrant and pronounced sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gazzew Bobagum employs the same Gazzew blend as its top housing, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the contrary, the Aflion Carrot utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition and its ability to absorb more sound. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with a Gazzew blend bottom housing. Therefore, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Carrot provide contrasting sound experiences due to their different bottom housing materials.

When it comes to the overall impact of housing materials on the switches, it's important to consider the influence of both the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. As such, the Gazzew Bobagum's unique Gazzew blend materials contribute to a softer and mellow bottom-out sound, as well as a softer sound when keys are released. On the other hand, the Carrot's blend of polycarbonate and nylon results in a more pronounced and vibrant bottom-out sound, as well as a crisper sound upon key release. Despite the differences in the housing materials, both switches provide distinct and satisfying sound profiles, offering a range of options to cater to individual preferences.

Weight

When it comes to the actuation and bottom out forces, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch have some notable differences. The Bobagum has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Carrot's lighter 37 grams. This means that with the Bobagum, a slightly stronger push is required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Carrot requires less force which can result in a more effortless typing experience.

In terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum again comes out as the heavier option with 62 grams, while the Carrot has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Bobagum switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required. Meanwhile, the Carrot switch will offer a softer bottoming out sensation.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions without inducing fatigue. This can be particularly desirable for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. The Carrot switch's lower actuation and bottom out forces make it a suitable choice for these individuals. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In such cases, the Bobagum switch's medium actuation and bottom out forces would be more appropriate.

Overall, while both switches offer distinct characteristics in actuation and bottom out forces, individuals looking for a more effortless typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Carrot tactile switch due to its lighter forces. In contrast, those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may find the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch to be a better fit with its slightly higher force requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it is evident that the Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bobagum with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the deeper sensation that a longer travel distance offers. In this case, the Carrot with its slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum switches provide a nearly silent experience while typing. These switches are classified as muted, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switch types. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switches offer a different sound profile. Described as clacky, the Carrot switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, they are also classified as marbly, meaning they have a resonant and high-pitched sound, similar to tapping on a sturdy piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. The Carrot switches are also known for their high-pitched sound. Overall, the Bobagum switches provide a quiet typing experience, while the Carrot switches have a more pronounced and percussive sound profile.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switches redefine smoothness and offer a unique tactile experience. These linear switches have an almost 'matte' feel, which is different from the polished glide of ice-skating or the texture of unlubed switches. They provide an unparalleled tactility that sets them apart. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel, giving you rebound when pressed. The Carrot switches are also known for being snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. They provide a mild bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making them a stepped switch. The Carrot switches are also feathery, meaning they have an exceptionally light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for long typing sessions. Both the Bobagum and Carrot switches have a subtle resistance, offering a light typing feel. However, the Bobagum switches maintain a non-resonant sound signature, making them suitable for shared spaces.

In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum switches are known for their unique smoothness, almost matte feel, and nearly silent sound profile. They redefine tactility and provide a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switches offer a bouncy and snappy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. They have a stepped feel with a mild bump and a light actuation force, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer different subjective qualities, with the Bobagum focusing more on smoothness and quietness, while the Carrot focuses on bounciness and responsiveness. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience the user is looking for.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique smoothness, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is a great choice. Its 'matte' feel and unparalleled tactility set it apart from other switches. Additionally, it offers a nearly silent sound profile, making it perfect for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bouncy and lively feel, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch would be the better option. Its long, two-stage spring provides a uniquely fun tactile experience and gives you rebound when pressed. Furthermore, the Carrot switch offers a firm and mid-pitched sound profile, which can be described as clacky and marbly. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, smoothness, sound profile, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more