Gazzew Bobagum vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX EMO mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum stands out for its smoothness and tactile feel, providing a quiet typing experience with a distinct matte texture. On the other hand, the EMO switch is celebrated for its lively and clacky sensation, coupled with a feather-light bottom-out force for effortless typing. While the Bobagum is known for its muted and subtle nature, the EMO switch is factory-lubed for added smoothness. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum uses its proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing materials to deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to the softness of the plastic blend. In contrast, the HMX EMO employs a polycarbonate top housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The Bobagum's use of its blend offers a more muted and resonant sound, while the EMO's polycarbonate provides a clear and bright sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their unique sound profiles.
The Gazzew Bobagum continues its use of the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. On the other hand, the HMX EMO utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The Bobagum's bottom housing enhances the overall sound by absorbing more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the EMO's nylon bottom housing offers a softer material that contributes to a deeper and more satisfying typing experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX EMO, it becomes evident that each material brings a distinct sound profile to the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through the unique qualities of their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Bobagum has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the EMO's 40 grams, making it a bit heavier in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Bobagum has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, while the EMO has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams. This means that the Bobagum provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the EMO offers a lighter and more effortless typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the EMO may be the preferable option. On the other hand, those who prefer a more solid and substantial typing feel may lean towards the Bobagum. In either case, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches allow for customization based on individual preference, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Bobagum has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EMO. Despite the small difference, the impact on typing or gaming experience may not be significantly different. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for their faster response times. If you are looking for a switch with a more traditional feel, the Bobagum may be the better choice due to its slightly longer travel distance. However, if you prefer a more sensitive and responsive switch, the EMO with its slightly shorter travel distance could be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so the decision between the two may come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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 subjective qualities of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, the Bobagum is highlighted for its almost 'matte' smoothness and unique tactility, offering a silent sound profile. On the other hand, the EMO switch is known for its lively and clacky feel with a light bottom-out force, providing a bouncy and satisfying typing experience with factory-lubed smoothness. The Bobagum's sound profile is described as muted, creating a softer and quieter typing experience, while the EMO's sound profile remains unknown. In terms of feel, the Bobagum offers a subtle resistance that is gentle yet maintains a light typing feel, suitable for shared spaces, whereas the exact feel of the EMO switch is undisclosed.
Overall, while the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX EMO switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, each switch provides a unique typing experience that caters to specific preferences. Both switches promise smooth keystrokes, but the Bobagum delivers a quieter sound profile and a subtle resistance, while the EMO offers a clacky feel with a light bottom-out force. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Whether choosing the Bobagum for its silent smoothness or the EMO for its lively and bouncy feel, users can expect consistent performance and quality from both switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium 62g bottom out force and value a smooth, tactile typing experience with a nearly silent sound profile, then the Bobagum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light 46g bottom out force and enjoy a lively, clacky feel with an effortlessly bouncy typing experience, then the EMO switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences, whether you prioritize smoothness and tactility or a light and bouncy feel.
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