Gazzew Bobagum vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Dareu Firefly offer unique experiences for users. The Bobagum is a linear switch that stands out for its smoothness and matte feel, providing an unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Firefly is a tactile switch that offers a new take on clicky switches, with a very light actuation and a hint of clickiness without the classic resonant clicky sound. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the Firefly is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum uses a proprietary blend of plastic for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile attributed to its stiffness. While the Bobagum's Gazzew blend delivers a consistent sound throughout the keystroke, the Firefly's polycarbonate material may offer a more distinct sound experience, particularly when releasing keys. Although both materials aim to enhance the overall sound quality of the switches, the Gazzew blend may provide a more muffled and soothing typing experience compared to the sharper tones of the polycarbonate in the Firefly.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gazzew Bobagum continues to utilize its proprietary plastic blend for a rich and deep sound profile, while the Dareu Firefly opts for a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound experience. The Bobagum's softer plastic blend may absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Firefly's nylon material, which enhances the overall typing experience by offering a more resonant sound profile. The choice between these two materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of keystrokes, with the Bobagum providing a softer and more muted typing experience, while the Firefly offers a clearer and more impactful sound with each press of a key.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Dareu Firefly differ in material composition, they both play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches. The top housing influences the sound when releasing keys, with the Firefly's polycarbonate material likely producing a sharper sound compared to the Bobagum's softer plastic blend. Alternatively, the bottom housing has more of an impact during key presses, with the Bobagum's proprietary blend offering a rich and deep sound, while the Firefly's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials will significantly impact the typing experience, with the Bobagum delivering a softer and more muffled sound, and the Firefly offering a clearer and more resonant sound with each keystroke.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Dareu Firefly tactile switch with a force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams while the Firefly does not specify its bottom out force. This makes the Bobagum a bit heavier overall in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. For those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, the Firefly may be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. However, if a more substantial typing feel is preferred, the Bobagum may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is evident that the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Firefly's 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Bobagum leaning towards the shorter end and the Firefly being slightly longer. Gamers may appreciate the Bobagum's shorter travel distance for its faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Firefly more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
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 is known for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a chirpy sound with a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Bobagum being more subdued and the Firefly being more distinct.
When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle typing experience with a gentle resistance that still maintains a light touch, making it suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. While the Bobagum provides a unique tactility, the Firefly focuses on effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
Overall, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Bobagum switch provides a quieter, smoother typing experience with unparalleled tactility, while the Firefly switch offers a light actuation and a unique chirpy sound. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider your priority. If you prefer a smoother, more tactile typing experience with a unique matte feel and near-silent sound profile, the Bobagum switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a light and easy-to-press switch with a hint of clickiness and a quiet operation, the Firefly switch would be more suitable for your needs. Keep in mind the bottom out force difference between the two switches as well, with the Bobagum requiring 62 grams of force and the Firefly's bottom out force being unavailable. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and enhances your overall typing experience.
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