Gazzew Bobagum vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch to the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum is celebrated for its smoothness, featuring a tactile feel that sets it apart from other switches, all while maintaining a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Crabapple boasts a frictionless typing experience thanks to its POM material, offering a dry smoothness and subtle texture with each keystroke. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the Crabapple falls under 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured'. Ultimately, deciding between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum utilizes a proprietary plastic blend for both its top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," to deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This unique material provides a pleasing typing experience that is well-regarded for its tactile feedback and acoustics. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple features POM top and bottom housings, which also create a deep and muted sound profile that is equally unique and satisfying. While the Bobagum's Gazzew blend is soft and rich in sound, the Crabapple's POM material offers a more subdued and deeper typing experience.
Despite their different housing materials, both the Bobagum and Crabapple switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through their distinctive sound profiles. The Gazzew blend of the Bobagum offers a softer and richer sound that is complemented by its tactile feedback, whereas the POM material of the Crabapple lends itself to a more muted and deep sound upon key presses. While the specific characteristics of each housing material may vary, both switches ultimately seek to enhance the overall typing experience for users, whether through softness or depth in sound.
In terms of construction, the Gazzew Bobagum and HC Studio Crabapple switches showcase how the bottom and top housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Although the specific properties of the Gazzew blend and POM material differ, both contribute to creating a unique and satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate the nuances of varied sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is evident that the Crabapple is the lighter option while the Bobagum is the heavier option. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more medium resistance for typists who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option for those who value a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the difference in actuation and bottom out force allows for users to choose the option that best suits their preferences.Overall, the lighter actuation force of the Crabapple makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, while the heavier resistance of the Bobagum provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple 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 travel distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and uniform typing experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Bobagum or the Crabapple, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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 is known for its muted and nearly silent sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a more subdued sound, with a dampened sound when pressed that is subtle and understated. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches provide a more gentle and less intrusive typing experience compared to traditional mechanical keyboard switches.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum linear switch is praised for its subtle tactility and smoothness, offering a unique matte feel that is not too slick or rough. It provides a gentle resistance that is light yet still satisfying. On the contrary, the Crabapple linear switch boasts a frictionless typing experience crafted entirely from POM material, providing an effortless and fluid travel with a dry smoothness. It also has a mild and approachable feel that is suitable for a wide range of users. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and smoothness.
In summary, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table. The Bobagum stands out for its smooth and virtually silent typing experience, while the Crabapple excels in providing a frictionless and effortless feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in a mechanical keyboard switch, both options offer a high level of quality and performance that will satisfy newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards. Whether you choose the Bobagum or the Crabapple, you can expect a pleasant typing experience that delivers on the promise of a premium mechanical switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium bottom out force with a smooth and almost silent typing experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Bobagum offers a unique tactile feel and a muted sound profile, making it suitable for quiet environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless typing journey with a mild and subdued sound profile, then the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch would be a better fit for you. The Crabapple provides a dry smoothness and a subtle texture with a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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