Gazzew Bobagum vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two popular options—Gazzew Bobagum and Huano Elf—each offer unique merits for users seeking a smooth, linear typing experience. The Gazzew Bobagum switches are celebrated for their unique 'matte' feel, delivering an extraordinary typing experience that balances between a slick glide and a textured surface, all while maintaining a nearly silent operation. This makes them ideal for those who value a minimalistic and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switches are characterized by their POK top housing, which enhances acoustics to produce a rich, deep sound signature, paired with a medium-light feel that provides a captivating typing experience. While both switches excel in delivering a linear feel, they cater to different preferences regarding tactile feedback 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Elf exemplify the diverse range of materials used in keyboard switch housing, with each utilizing distinct compositions that offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Bobagum’s top housing employs a proprietary Gazzew blend, colloquially known as "boba plastic," known for its soft characteristics that contribute to a rich, deep sound profile. In contrast, the Elf’s top housing is made from POK material, a polyketone renowned for its low coefficient of friction and smoothness. While both materials aim for high-quality auditory feedback, the Bobagum emphasizes warmth and richness in sound, whereas the POK material of the Elf is tailored for a crisper clackiness and enhanced durability, suggesting that users might prefer one over the other based on their sound preferences.
The bottom housing materials further illustrate the different approaches taken by each brand. The Bobagum utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, which allows for a cohesive auditory signature throughout the switch. This choice emphasizes a uniform sound experience that enriched the depth and character of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Elf opts for nylon as its bottom housing material, which is traditionally favored for its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller, rounder auditory profile. While both materials are softer and contribute to a more subdued sound compared to harder plastics, the use of nylon in the Elf's design may enhance the overall dampening effect, giving it a distinct sound profile compared to the Bobagum.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing in each switch leads to varying tactile experiences that impact overall user perception. The Bobagum, with consistent usage of its proprietary blend throughout both housing components, offers a unified sonic signature that emphasizes warmth and depth irrespective of whether the user is keying down or releasing. Conversely, the Huano Elf's distinct separation of POK and nylon creates a duality where the characteristics of each material enhance specific sound aspects— the top housing delivering a smooth and clacky release while the nylon bottom deepens the impact feel. The contrasts between these materials illustrate how the choice of housing affects not only durability and wear resistance but also the key feel and acoustic experience, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and actuation feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Elf remains unknown. The Bobagum has a specified bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light, which means it provides a softer feel when bottoming out. In contrast, the Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, suggesting it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, without the bottom out force information for the Elf, we can't make a direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, the Bobagum's heavier bottom out force lends a more substantial typing experience, while the Elf's lighter actuation force caters to those who prefer a softer touch.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel and responsiveness when pressing down on the keys of either switch, leading to a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will provide similar results in terms of key actuation depth and feedback. Overall, this makes them equally suitable for those who prefer a uniform linear switch experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf 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
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is characterized by its muted acoustics, producing a soft and quiet typing experience that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Bobagum an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter environment or work in shared spaces. In contrast, the Huano Elf linear switch features a deep sound signature, contributing to a more pronounced auditory experience. However, detailed sound characteristics specifically attributed to the Elf switches are not provided, leaving some aspects open to speculation. Nevertheless, it's important to note that the overall sound profile of any switch can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the tactile experience of the Bobagum switch is defined by its unique 'matte' texture that taps into a smooth, subtle resistance. This creates an inviting typing experience that balances between a polished glide and the rougher feel of unlubed switches, making it suitable for users seeking a refined typing feedback without compromising on comfort. On the other hand, the Huano Elf linear switch is noted for its medium-light feel, which suggests a more energizing typing experience but lacks finer details about the tactile sensations it offers. This variability indicates potential differences in the typing experience, depending on individual preferences.
In summary, while both the Gazzew Bobagum and Huano Elf linear switches have their unique qualities, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Bobagum excels in achieving a muted sound profile and a smooth, subtle feel ideal for quiet environments, while the Elf offers a deeper sound and a medium-light feel that may appeal to those looking for a more dynamic typing experience. Users can expect a satisfying performance from either switch, but the choice may ultimately depend on personal taste regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a smooth, muted typing experience with a gentle resistance, the Bobagum might be your ideal choice. With its medium-light bottom-out force and unique "matte" feel, it's designed for those who enjoy a quieter keystroke, making it an excellent option for shared workspaces or environments where noise levels matter. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a switch that showcases deeper acoustics and a satisfying typing feel, the Huano Elf can meet those desires, especially if you enjoy a slightly more pronounced sound with every keystroke. Although the Elf’s specific bottom-out force isn't provided, its design suggests a comfortable and engaging typing experience. Whether you prioritize smoothness and silence or a more resonant acoustic profile will guide your decision, so consider your typing habits and the environments in which you'll be using these switches for the best overall experience.
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