Gazzew Bobagum vs. Bsun Cliff

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders stand out: the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Cliff. The Bobagum, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, characterized by a unique 'matte' feel that strikes a delicate balance between the glide of polished switches and the raw texture of unlubed ones. This switch provides an almost silent typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a muted and subtle sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff, known for its tactile response, offers a medium level of tactility coupled with a crisp sound signature that delivers satisfying feedback with each keystroke. For users who enjoy the sensation of a tactile bump and an audible click, the Cliff switch is an excellent choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Cliff switches feature distinctly different materials for their top housings, leading to unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Bobagum employs a proprietary blend of "boba plastic," which is touted for its softness. This softness enables the Bobagum to produce a rich and deep sound profile, giving the typing experience a muted quality that feels warm and inviting. Conversely, the Bsun Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This material, known for its rigidity, results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is more resonant and crisp than the Bobagum. As a result, users can expect a clearer auditory feedback while typing on the Cliff, particularly when using RGB lighting that enhances the translucency of polycarbonate.

The bottom housing materials also differ significantly between the two switches, contributing further to their individual sound characteristics. The Bobagum's bottom housing uses the same proprietary "boba plastic," which provides consistency in sound profile with a focus on achieving a deep and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Cliff switch incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, which has been a classic choice in switch design. Nylon's softer characteristic allows it to absorb sound more effectively, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit with a different tonality compared to the Bobagum’s proprietary blend. Both switches will provide enjoyable typing experiences, but the nuances in material choice will cater to different preferences for sound depth and clarity.

Ultimately, even though the Bobagum and Bsun Cliff switches employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, they each contribute to how the overall switch feels and sounds. The combination of a softer top housing with a rich, warm sound in the Bobagum contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the more rigid top housing of the Cliff. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the Cliff interacts distinctly with the softer top of the switch to create a different overall auditory experience compared to the Bobagum's consistent use of the same "boba plastic" for both housings. Understanding these dynamics allows typists to select a switch that resonates with their personal preferences, as the interplay between materials greatly influences both performance and enjoyment.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, we see a clear difference in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Bobagum's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. In contrast, the Cliff switch features a well-defined actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch will find the Bsun Cliff more appealing, as it requires less force to actuate and provides a softer bottom out experience. On the other hand, the Bobagum, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a different typing experience, potentially favored by those who prefer a more substantial feel. Overall, the Cliff is the lighter option, while the Bobagum presents a heavier choice, contributing to different user experiences when typing or gaming.

Travel distance

Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users will likely experience a comparable feel when pressing down on either switch, resulting in similar actuation responses and overall typing sensations. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can enjoy consistent performance regardless of their choice between the Bobagum and the Cliff, making either a solid option for keyboard enthusiasts.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch excels with its muted profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. This characteristic minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those in shared or quiet environments. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a crisp sound signature, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. While the specific sound qualities of the Cliff aren’t detailed, the presence of clarity in its sound indicates a more traditional tactile experience compared to the almost whisper-like operation of the Bobagum.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum linear switch is often described as providing a subtle typing experience characterized by gentle resistance. This light typing feel adds to its smoothness, making it comfortable for extended use, particularly in environments where noise is a concern. Conversely, while the tactile qualities of the Cliff switch are not elaborated upon, the medium tactility it offers implies a more defined feedback compared to the Bobagum. This can enhance typing accuracy and give more satisfaction to users who prefer tactile response over sheer smoothness.

In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum and Bsun Cliff switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Bobagum offers a nearly silent, smooth typing experience with subtle feedback, making it ideal for quiet settings. On the other hand, the Cliff’s crisp sound and medium tactility appeal to users seeking more auditory feedback and tactile sensation while typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a silent, smooth feel or a tactile, auditory feedback experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, consider your typing style and environment. If you prefer a smooth, almost matte typing experience and value a quieter operation, the Bobagum is the way to go, particularly in shared spaces where you want to minimize noise. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it creates a balanced feel without being cumbersome, perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more feedback with every keystroke and appreciate a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent choice, especially for those who enjoy the tactile sensation during typing. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams allows for a quick typing experience, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who need that tactile prompt without excessive force. Ultimately, your choice boils down to whether you prioritize a smooth and quiet experience with the Bobagum or a tactile and lively feel with the Cliff.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more