Gazzew Bobagum vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two interesting options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro. The Bobagum, a linear switch, is celebrated for its unique smoothness and 'matte' feel, striking a balance between a polished glide and the texture of unlubed switches, all while delivering a nearly silent typing experience. Its muted and subtle sound profile makes it a great choice for those who value quiet operation, such as office workers or night-time typists. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro presents a different sensory experience. As a tactile switch, it features a pronounced tactile bump that enhances feedback, catering to users who enjoy a more dynamic typing feel. Additionally, these switches produce a loud, bass-rich sound signature, making them ideal for gamers or typists who appreciate auditory cues. Both switches have their distinct advantages depending on individual preferences—whether you prioritize smoothness and silence or tactility and sound. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches present a fascinating comparison in terms of sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a rich, deep sound profile characterized by a notable softness. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the inherent stiffness of the plastic. The polycarbonate's translucent nature also enhances its appeal for RGB lighting setups, creating a visually engaging experience. This difference in top housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics when the switches are activated, affecting the auditory sensation during both the actuation and the release of the keys.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Bobagum's use of the same boba plastic reproduces a solid depth and fullness in sound, similar to the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. Nylon, a traditional material for switch housings, is recognized for producing a slightly duller and rounder sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. While both switches aim for a softer auditory output on bottoming out, the Bobagum's proprietary blend and the V3's nylon both achieve this goal through different chemical compositions. Thus, while the Bobagum's housing design may favor a richer acoustic experience stemming from uniformity in material, the Akko V3's nylon still provides a pleasingly rounded sound that plays into its overall depth.
Ultimately, the differences between the Bobagum and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro suggest that while they may reach similar auditory outcomes, they do so through various materials that impart individual qualities to the typing experience. The interaction between top and bottom housings in both switches offers players unique auditory feedback; the Gazzew blend's softness and the nylon's classic sound-absorbing nature complement each other well, resulting in a full-bodied experience. While users may prefer one switch over the other based on personal auditory tastes, both designs highlight how material choices can shape the overall character of mechanical keyboards and enhance the tactile sensation during use.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum's actuation force is unknown, but it features a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. Conversely, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a specified actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, considered light. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Bobagum. Users who prefer a lighter weight for longer typing sessions may gravitate towards the Akko switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might find the Bobagum's heavier bottom out force more appealing. Overall, for those looking for a more comfortable typing experience with less finger fatigue, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be a better fit, while the Gazzew Bobagum offers a different tactile experience that some users may prefer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Bobagum features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, categorizing it as the shorter choice. This means that the Bobagum allows for a deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile feel. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the V3 switch may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times and more rapid key actuations. Ultimately, users will find that selecting the switch aligns with their preference for either a more pronounced depth or a snappier action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, the differences are quite striking. The Bobagum is designed to be nearly silent, offering a muted sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for shared workspaces or environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, making it distinctly more prominent and attention-grabbing. Those who enjoy an audible typing experience would likely find the Creamy Purple Pro's sound to be invigorating, whereas the Bobagum is ideal for those who prioritize discretion.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch is renowned for its smoothness and subtlety. It provides a gentle resistance that offers a light typing experience, eschewing the harshness often associated with unlubed switches. This ensures a comfortable and fatigue-free typing session, making it suitable for long periods of use, especially in shared environments due to its non-resonant sound signature. The tactile nature of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, on the other hand, is characterized by a large and invigorating tactile bump. This bump provides a clear tactile feedback, which can enhance typists' precision and engagement with their keyboard. While the tactile experience of the Creamy Purple Pro is more pronounced, it may not offer the same level of smoothness that the Bobagum is known for.
Overall, choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro will ultimately hinge on personal preference for sound and feel. The Bobagum excels in creating a silent and smooth typing experience, appealing to those who want a quiet and comfortable feel, perfect for shared environments. In stark contrast, the Creamy Purple Pro caters to those who enjoy a more tactile and loud experience, with a strong auditory presence that adds to the typing enjoyment. Depending on individual priorities—be it tranquility with the Bobagum or an audible tactile feedback with the Creamy Purple Pro—both options offer unique yet satisfying experiences for different types of users.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you value a smooth, quiet typing experience and prefer a medium-light actuation force, the Bobagum is an excellent choice. Its unique 'matte' feel and muted sound profile make it particularly suitable for shared or quiet spaces, where you don’t want to disturb others. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a lighter actuation force and aren’t as concerned about noise, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better option for you. Its invigorating tactile bump and bassier sound signature will certainly enhance your typing experience, especially if you relish the sound and feel of traditional tactile switches. So, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and workspace when making your decision, and you'll find the perfect switch that suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
