Gazzew Bobagum vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Flaming Pink offer distinct yet appealing options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Bobagum switches are renowned for their unique 'matte' feel, striking a balance between smoothness and texture that creates an almost serene typing experience. Their nearly silent sound profile caters to those who prefer a discreet workspace. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switches are designed to deliver a slightly more dynamic typing experience, combining a smooth response with a satisfying bottom-out sound that adds a touch of audibility without being overwhelming. This makes them well-suited for both gaming and everyday tasks, appealing to users who appreciate a premium feel. While both switches excel in providing a linear typing experience, the choice ultimately hinges on individual preferences regarding tactile feedback and acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Flaming Pink switches present an interesting contrast in housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for both its top and bottom housings, known for its softness and ability to produce a rich, deep sound. This characteristic allows users to enjoy a warm auditory experience that absorbs some impact, creating a satisfying bottom-out sound. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, it enhances resonance and clarity, which can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when releasing keys.
The differences between the bottom housing materials of the two switches further amplify their unique sound profiles. While the Bobagum's bottom housing also utilizes the same "boba plastic," enhancing its already rich sound, the Flaming Pink employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic material that contributes to a fuller sound profile; it tends to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches aim for certain sound qualities, the melding of softer and stiffer materials in the Bobagum leads to a sound that seamlessly blends warmth and depth, whereas the Flaming Pink's combination gives rise to a clear and resonant tonality punctuated by softer impacts.
Despite these variations in sound placement and character, users can achieve similar auditory results by paying attention to the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials. For instance, if the qualities of the Bobagum's softer top housing were merged with the TTC Flaming Pink's nylon bottom housing, one might produce a rounded and deeper sound profile with a hint of brightness from the polycarbonate. In essence, the housing materials dictate how different characteristics blend upon key presses and releases, allowing enthusiasts to experiment with various combinations to tailor the auditory feedback and tactile response according to their preferences.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum's actuation force is unspecified, making it challenging to directly compare with the Flaming Pink's light actuation force of 43 grams. However, the Bobagum's bottom out force of 55 grams is slightly heavier than the Flaming Pink's 50 grams. As a result, if we consider bottom out forces alone, the Bobagum is categorized as medium-light whereas the Flaming Pink is categorized as light. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Flaming Pink might be the more suitable choice, whereas those who enjoy a slightly more resistant feel might lean toward the Bobagum. Overall, the Bobagum feels heavier due to its bottom out force, while the Flaming Pink offers a lighter touch, ideal for those seeking comfort over longer periods.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in a similar feel when pressing down on the keys. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a comparable experience in terms of key responsiveness and actuation between the two switches, providing a consistent typing or gaming performance. Since both switches have identical travel distances, they will deliver similar results in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 is characterized by a muted acoustic profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to more traditional, clacky mechanical switches. This aspect makes it particularly appealing for users who prioritize a discreet typing experience, making it suitable for quiet environments. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink features a bright sound profile that is engaging but not overwhelmingly loud. This gives it a satisfying auditory feedback during typing without becoming intrusive, striking a nice balance between presence and restraint. Together, both switches can accommodate various typing settings, with the Bobagum being more suited for noise-sensitive scenarios and the Flaming Pink providing a lively auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum offers a unique, almost matte texture that redefines smoothness, providing a typing experience distinct from traditional switches. The subtle resistance of the Bobagum allows for a light yet controlled feel while typing, making it suitable for extended use without fatigue. The Flaming Pink, while not described in detail, is noted for its smooth and responsive nature, suggesting a typing experience that is both enjoyable and satisfying. The combination of comfort and feedback offered by both switches can cater to different user preferences, keeping in mind that the Bobagum has a uniquely soft touch that sets it apart.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches each offer distinct attributes that cater to different typing experiences. The Bobagum excels in providing a muted sound and a subtly smooth feel, making it a fantastic option for those needing discretion and comfort. Meanwhile, the Flaming Pink offers a brighter sound and a responsive touch, ideal for gamers and everyday use alike. If you are navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, both switches will deliver excellent performance, but your choice ultimately hinges on whether you seek a quieter or a more vibrant typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smoother, almost muted typing experience with an emphasis on quietness, and a subtle feedback feel, the Bobagum switches are an excellent choice. They excel in settings where low sound is essential, making them suitable for shared environments or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a slightly lighter actuation force and a responsive feel combined with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Flaming Pink switches would be a better fit. These switches cater well to both gaming and everyday typing, providing a lively experience without being excessively noisy. Thus, consider your typing habits, noise sensitivity, and whether you value smoothness over sound quality to determine which switch better aligns with your needs.