Gazzew Bobagum vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to elevating your typing experience, the Gazzew Bobagum and Akko Dracula linear switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness, providing a delightful 'matte' feel that strikes a balance between a polished glide and the raw texture of unlubed switches. Their nearly silent sound profile makes them an attractive option for anyone seeking a discreet typing experience, while their bubblegum color adds a playful touch to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switches boast a durable construction through their use of POK material for both the top case and stem, ensuring longevity alongside an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The innovative design features an extra stem hole that facilitates increased airflow, further enhancing the smoothness of every keystroke. While both switches deliver superior performance in their own right, choosing between the two largely depends on individual preferences for feel 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
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
POK
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko Dracula switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influence their acoustic characteristics and tactile feedback. The Bobagum features a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic," which is designed to provide a rich and deep sound profile due to its inherent softness. This results in a cushioned typing experience that emphasizes a warm sound signature. In contrast, the Akko Dracula incorporates POK material for its top housing, known for its lower coefficient of friction and impressive durability. With a friction level of 0.04, the POK material adds a smooth glide to each key strike while contributing to a clacky sound profile. Consequently, while both switches prioritize smoothness and sound quality, their approaches vary distinctly due to the inherent properties of their respective materials.
When examining the bottom housings, the contrasts continue. The Gazzew Bobagum uses the same "boba plastic" blend for its bottom housing, which further enhances its sound-dampening qualities by providing a more cushioned bottom-out feel. This uniformity in material allows for a cohesive auditory experience, where both the top and bottom housing work together to deliver a deep, resonant sound. Conversely, the Akko Dracula opts for a nylon bottom housing, a long-standing choice known for its excellent sound absorption and durability. This combination of nylon in the bottom housing promotes a deeper and rounder sound profile, setting it apart from the Bobagum's softer boba plastic. Thus, while both switches aim to create a satisfying typing experience, their bottom housing materials lead to different acoustic profiles and tactile sensations.
Ultimately, the differing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and Akko Dracula switches highlight the importance of each housing component in producing a distinct typing experience. The Bobagum’s use of the same "boba plastic" for both the top and bottom creates harmonized sound characteristics that resonate deeply. In contrast, the Dracula’s combination of POK for the top and nylon for the bottom results in a more complex and multifaceted sound. Although both switches can offer smooth operation and satisfying feedback, the difference in materials means that users will experience unique auditory and tactile qualities depending on their choice, illustrating how the interplay between different materials shapes the switching experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is measured at 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the Dracula has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which places it firmly in the light range. This means that for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially for extended use like typing at work or long gaming sessions, the Dracula would be a more suitable choice. Conversely, if someone is looking for a bit more resistance and a substantial typing feel, the Bobagum may cater more to their preferences, given its higher bottom out force. Overall, the Dracula is the lighter option, while the Bobagum provides a heavier feel, which can appeal to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, the former has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the latter boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, categorizing it as the longer option. This difference indicates that using the Bobagum switch may provide quicker key presses, catering well to gamers who prefer responsiveness and faster reaction times. Conversely, the Dracula's slightly longer travel distance may appeal to users who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Therefore, if you are inclined toward a more responsive switch, the Gazzew Bobagum would be the preferable choice, while the Akko Dracula could be better suited for those who appreciate a deeper typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Dracula has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dracula for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is notably muted, resulting in a softer and quieter experience compared to more traditional mechanical keyboard switches. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for environments where noise is a concern, minimizing the typical sounds associated with typing. In contrast, the sound profile of the Akko Dracula linear switch is relatively unknown, but it is important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by other technology components, such as the choice of keyboard frame and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch is characterized by a subtle resistance that provides a light typing experience. This gentle feedback is neither overly stiff nor too soft, allowing for comfortable and extended typing sessions; the sound signature remains unobtrusive, perfect for use in shared settings. While specific details about the feel of the Akko Dracula switch are not provided, the use of POK material for the top case and stem suggests it also aims for a smooth typing experience, enhancing overall durability and comfort.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Akko Dracula linear switches seem to cater to users looking for smooth and pleasant typing experiences, with the Bobagum offering distinctive muted sound and subtle feedback. The Bobagum's nearly silent profile and gentle resistance make it ideal for quieter environments, while the Dracula's innovative design hints at a similarly smooth feel. If you're seeking a keyboard with comfortable typing qualities while minimizing noise, both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit with the Bobagum being the more established choice in these subjective attributes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environments. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force that offers a unique, almost matte smoothness, the Bobagum is likely your best choice. Its subtle feel and muted sound profile make it ideal for quieter settings, such as an office or shared space, allowing for comfortable typing without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with an even smoother typing experience thanks to the innovative POK material, the Akko Dracula switch may be more suited to your needs. Its lower bottom out force enhances quick typing while still providing durability and sound consideration. Ultimately, you can choose the Bobagum for an exceptional tactile journey in a serene environment or the Dracula for an ultra-smooth and light experience, particularly if speed and responsiveness are your priorities. The right switch for you will depend on balancing smoothness, sound, and feel to match your personal typing style.
Mentioned in this article
