Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron CM. Both switches offer unique features and advantages for different preferences. The Bobagum switch is known for its unmatched smoothness and tactile feel, providing a one-of-a-kind typing experience. With its nearly silent sound profile, it offers a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the CM switch breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, delivering a deeper and richer sound signature. Combined with an impeccable factory lube job, it ensures effortless smoothness with each keystroke. Its lengthened, dual-staged spring also provides a bouncy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron CM switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches have a soft housing material that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. The Bobagum uses a proprietary Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic," while the CM uses nylon. Both materials are relatively softer plastics, which allows them to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound.
However, the Bobagum's housing material may provide a slightly different sound profile due to its proprietary blend. The specific composition of the Gazzew blend might result in a unique sound characteristic, offering a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the CM's nylon housing is a more classic switch housing material, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences in their compositions, both materials ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a satisfying sound profile.
In terms of the impact on the switch, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. When you press down on the switch, you will primarily feel the qualities of the bottom housing. With the Bobagum, the proprietary Gazzew blend contributes to a soft and cushioned bottom-out sensation. Similarly, the CM's nylon bottom housing offers a comparable experience with its softness and sound absorption capabilities.
On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when you release a key. Although the specific descriptions of the sound profile may differ between the Bobagum's Gazzew blend and the CM's nylon, they both aim to deliver a satisfying sound when the key is released. These materials contribute to a more rounded and mellow sound as compared to switches with harder plastic top housings. Overall, while there may be some distinctions between the Bobagum and CM in terms of their housing materials, they ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Bobagum has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the CM's slightly heavier 55 grams. This means that the Bobagum switch requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have relatively similar bottom out forces, with the Bobagum measuring at 62 grams and the CM at 63.5 grams. This suggests that when typing or gaming on either switch, the overall typing experience in terms of the force required to fully press down the keys will be quite similar.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch, like the Bobagum, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This is especially beneficial for individuals using their keyboards for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for the CM switch, which has a heavier actuation force. This provides a tactile feedback that some users find more satisfying. Overall, the choice between these switches will mainly depend on personal preferences and typing/gaming requirements.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of travel distance. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both have the same travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch has a bassy sound signature with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the CM switch is described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It is also noted that low-pitched switches like the CM have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to consider that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch provides a subtle typing experience. This means that it has a gentle resistance, offering a light typing feel. It is not feather-light, but still maintains a comfortable and easy typing sensation. The sound signature of the Bobagum switch is also described as not resonant, making it suitable for shared work or living spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switch offers a buttery, polished, and creamy typing experience. These descriptors imply a smooth and fluid keystroke, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The CM switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the CM switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
To summarize, the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron CM linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Bobagum switch provides a muted sound profile with a subtle typing experience, offering a uniquely smooth and quiet typing journey. On the other hand, the CM switch delivers a bassy, thocky sound with a buttery, polished, and creamy typing experience. Both switches promise a smooth and effortless typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. It is important to consider personal preferences and the specific requirements of your usage scenario when choosing between these two switches to ensure optimal satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Bobagum switch provides a medium resistance that is not too heavy but still maintains a satisfying typing feel. These bubblegum-colored switches redefine smoothness and offer a unique matte feel, creating a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and richer sound signature, the Gateron CM linear switch is a great choice. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the CM switch offers a bouncy typing experience due to its lengthened, dual-staged spring. The full nylon housing of the CM switch adds to its bold statement and delivers a bassy sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the CM switch comes factory-lubed, providing an effortlessly smooth typing journey. Ultimately, the choice between the Bobagum and CM switches depends on your preference for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize the smoothness and silence of the Bobagum or the deeper sound and bouncy typing experience of the CM, both switches offer their own unique benefits that will enhance your typing experience.
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