Gazzew Bobagum vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options like the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their unique 'matte' feel, offering a smooth typing experience that sits perfectly between the extremes of glossy and unlubed textures. This creates a satisfying touch sensation coupled with a nearly silent operation, making them ideal for office environments or quiet settings. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g switches stand out for their bright sound profile and remarkably light actuation force, which provides a more responsive feel and an engaging, crisp auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. While both switches belong to the linear category, catering to those who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, they embody different tactile characteristics that may suit varying preferences and use cases. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top and bottom housings, often dubbed "boba plastic." This material is characterized by its softness, contributing to a rich and deep sound profile that many typists may find warm and inviting. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which lends itself to sharper, higher-pitched sounds. This difference in material composition means that while the Bobagum can provide a fuller auditory experience, the Chiikawa offers a crisper and more resonant sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate.

Looking at the bottom housings of both switches reveals a further contrast in material choice and the resultant sound characteristics. The Bobagum's bottom housing also features the Gazzew proprietary blend, reinforcing its soft and rich auditory signature. Conversely, the Chiikawa's bottom housing is made from nylon, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. This divergence in materials means that while the Bobagum maintains a consistent warm and deep sound from both ends, the Chiikawa presents a more varied auditory experience that combines the crispness of the polycarbonate top and the rounded depths of the nylon bottom.

Despite these differences, similarities can arise in the overall sound profile when considering how each housing interacts during use. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, combined with the top housing’s effect on the release sound, means that both switches could achieve a satisfying typing experience through different acoustic qualities. For instance, the Bobagum, with its unified soft plastic construction, produces a smooth and consistent sound, whereas the Chiikawa balances clarity and depth between its split housing materials. Thus, while the Bobagum aims for a singular, enveloping auditory experience, the Chiikawa's combination of materials can yield equally enjoyable results by engaging users with more dynamic sounds.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom-out forces. The Bobagum's actuation force is unknown, while its bottom-out force is measured at 55 grams, making it feel medium-light overall. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g has a more defined actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom-out force of 51 grams, also categorized as medium-light. This means that for users preferring lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Chiikawa might provide a more predictable actuation experience, while the Bobagum’s unquantified actuation force leaves its performance more ambiguous. Ultimately, the Chiikawa is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, while the Bobagum, with its higher bottom-out force, may feel heavier when pressed down entirely.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of switches. Since the travel distance is the same, both switches will provide the same amount of physical feedback during use, making them comparable in performance. This uniformity ensures that typists and gamers alike can achieve consistent results regardless of which switch they choose to use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a nearly silent typing experience, characterized by a muted sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Bobagum an excellent choice for those who value a quieter environment or work in shared spaces where noise could be a disturbance. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch produces a bright and crisp sound with a high-pitched quality when typing. Its notable responsiveness contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback, catering to users who enjoy the acoustic experience of typing and may prefer a more lively sound in their keyboard usage.

When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch stands out with its unique 'matte' texture that enhances smoothness without being overly polished. The gentle resistance offers a subtle typing experience that balances a light touch with adequate feedback, making it feel comfortable for extended typing sessions. In comparison, the Chiikawa - 45g features a very light actuation force, which should provide a fast and responsive feel, but lacks the explicit details of its tactile characteristics. While both switches promise a light touch, the Bobagum’s subtlety suggests a greater focus on smoothness, whereas the Chiikawa may cater to a more energetic and fast-paced typing style.

Considering the information provided, the Bobagum and Chiikawa - 45g switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Bobagum excels with its muted sound and smooth, subtle feel, ideal for users seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a bright sound profile and a lightweight actuation force, appealing to those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience with faster response times. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a silent, smooth experience or an energetic, crisp typing feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you value a smooth, subtle feeling that minimizes noise, the Bobagum would be your go-to choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams provides a gentle but satisfying tactile experience, making it ideal if you often work or game in quiet settings where low noise is preferred. On the other hand, if you appreciate responsiveness and a brighter sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g would be a better fit. With its lighter 51 grams bottom-out force, it offers a more pronounced auditory feedback that might enhance your typing rhythm, especially if you enjoy a crisper sound when you type. Consider your habits and environment: for a serene typing experience, go for the Bobagum; for a lively, engaging sound and feel, opt for the Chiikawa. Each switch has its unique charm, so it's all about what enhances your personal typing experience the most.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more