Gazzew Bobagum vs. TTC Flame Red

Overview

Comparing and contrasting two mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Flame Red, offers a fascinating exploration of different characteristics and benefits. The Bobagum switch is renowned for its smoothness, boasting a unique matte feel that sets it apart from other switches. Combining the unmatched tactility with its almost silent sound profile, these bubblegum-colored switches offer a truly exceptional typing experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch captures attention with its striking visuals, specifically its dazzling light diffuser. Ideal for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard, these switches deliver a weighty smoothness and emit a pleasing clacky sound. The Bobagum switch offers a more understated typing experience categorized as muted and subtle, while the Flame Red switch falls under neutral, mild, and polished. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics to help you make the best decision for your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

TTC Flame Red Linear

$6.50 per 10

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Flame Red switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," is designed to deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Similarly, the Flame Red switch features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound profile.

However, when it comes to their bottom housings, the Bobagum and Flame Red differ in their material composition. The Bobagum utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, delivering a rich and deep sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Flame Red switch relies on nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is well-known as a classic switch housing material that emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the sound and feel when bottoming-out a key will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material.

Overall, while both the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Flame Red switches aim to produce rich and deep sound profiles, they achieve this through different housing materials. The Bobagum uses its proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housings, ensuring a consistent sound experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red combines a nylon top housing for a deeper sound upon key release while utilizing a nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound when bottoming-out a key. Despite the differences, both switches ultimately deliver enhanced sound profiles due to the unique characteristics of their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Bobagum requires 46 grams of force, while the Flame Red requires a slightly lighter 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a balance between ease of typing and a substantial typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams of force, while the Flame Red requires a lighter 54 grams. The difference in bottom out force suggests that the Bobagum offers a slightly firmer and more substantial typing experience compared to the Flame Red.

Weight-wise, lighter switches are generally favored by those who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. The Flame Red switch, with its lighter actuation and bottom out force, is more suitable for individuals who prioritize typing marathon sessions without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Bobagum switch, which requires slightly more force for actuation and bottoming out.

In conclusion, while both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force, the Bobagum is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. Choosing between the two depends on individual preference, with the Flame Red offering a lighter typing experience for extended sessions and the Bobagum providing a firmer push feel for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it is clear that the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The Bobagum's shorter travel distance is ideal for gamers or individuals seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Flame Red's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Bobagum offering a more responsive typing experience and the Flame Red providing a greater sense of depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum switch is best described as muted. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle typing experience. It has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of these switches is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch offers a mild typing experience. It provides a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of the Flame Red switch all stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Furthermore, the Flame Red switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. These switches have reduced friction and offer smooth key travel.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gazzew Bobagum switch and TTC Flame Red switch have different subjective qualities. The Bobagum switch is known for its unparalleled tactility, almost matte feel, and nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch stands out for its weighty smoothness, clacky sound profile, and visually appealing light diffuser. While the two switches differ in several aspects, both can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. If you prefer a softer and quieter sound with a subtle typing feel, the Bobagum switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a more visually striking switch with a mild typing feel and a polished finish, the Flame Red switch would be an excellent option. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that personal preference, keyboard configuration, and keycap choice can also impact the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize smoothness and a unique tactile feel, along with a nearly silent typing experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a satisfying amount of resistance. The Bobagum switches are also described as having a muted sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience. Additionally, the Bobagum switches are known for their subtle feel, providing a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. This makes them suitable for shared spaces.

On the other hand, if you value visual aesthetics and prefer a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be a better fit for you. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams, offering a slightly lighter typing experience. The Flame Red switches are also described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various settings like home or work. In addition, the Flame Red switches are known for their polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Flame Red comes down to your personal preferences. Consider what aspects matter most to you, such as smoothness, sound, feel, and visual aesthetics. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more