Gazzew Bobagum vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro are both excellent options to explore. The Bobagum switch boasts a smooth and unique tactile feel, offering a silent typing experience with its 'matte' texture. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch stands out for its budget-friendly price point while still delivering a satisfying poppy and clacky sound coupled with impressive smoothness. Both switches offer different characteristics - the Bobagum being more 'muted' and 'subtle', while the V3 Cream Black Pro is described as 'creamy', 'high-pitched', 'bouncy', 'snappy', and 'polished'. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
20mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, we see that the Bobagum uses a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing, which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Bobagum's housing material emphasizes softness for a more resonant sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate material provides a clearer and more defined sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Bobagum and V3 Cream Black Pro differ even further. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing continues to offer a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, while the V3 Cream Black Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast highlights the impact that different bottom housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and tactile feel experienced by users. While the Bobagum's Gazzew blend provides a soft and resonant sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate and nylon materials offer a crisper, sharper, and deeper sound quality. Understanding how each housing material influences the sound profile and typing experience can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, the actuation force of the Bobagum is lighter at 46 grams compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro at 55 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Bobagum is also lighter at 62 grams, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category, but the V3 Cream Black Pro leans towards medium-heavy. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Bobagum make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the V3 Cream Black Pro would appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial and solid typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, we can see that the Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a travel distance of 3.3mm. Therefore, the Bobagum has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. The Bobagum would provide a slightly deeper keypress feel than the V3 Cream Black Pro. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a muted sound profile, characterized by a softer and quieter typing experience. This is ideal for those who prefer a more subtle and understated typing sound, perfect for shared spaces or situations where a quieter keyboard is preferred. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched sound when pressed, producing a sharp and crisp tone. If you enjoy a more vibrant and lively sound profile while typing, these switches may be more to your liking. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a subtle typing experience with gentle resistance, providing a light but tactile feel with a non-resonant sound signature. This can result in a smooth and comfortable typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation. Additionally, these switches are bouncy and snappy, providing a lively and responsive feel with each keystroke. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, reducing friction and enhancing smooth key travel.
Overall, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bobagum provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience with its muted sound and gentle resistance, the V3 Cream Black Pro excels in offering a creamy and responsive feel with a high-pitched and vibrant sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers looking to explore different options in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams and enjoy a muted sound profile with a subtle tactile feel, the Bobagum switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and appreciate a high-pitched, poppy sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preferences for typing experience and sound characteristics.
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