Gazzew Bobagum vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Flaming Purple both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum is revered for its smoothness and tactile feel, providing a quiet typing experience with its muted and subtle characteristics. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant and bassier sound profile, combined with a feathery touch and easy-to-press nature. Both switches have their own strengths that make them appealing choices for different 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Flaming Purple switches offer contrasting properties that impact the sound profile and typing experience. The Bobagum features a Gazzew blend top housing that delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness, while the Flaming Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Bobagum's proprietary plastic blend offers a softer and more resonant sound profile, creating a different typing experience compared to the Flaming Purple.
On the bottom housing side, the Gazzew Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to the rich and deep sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound that is enhanced by the material's softer nature. The use of different materials for the bottom housing between the two switches further distinguishes their typing experiences, with the Nylon in the Flaming Purple absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound profile compared to the Gazzew blend in the Bobagum.
Overall, while the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Flaming Purple switches have distinct housing materials for both the top and bottom housings, they each offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Gazzew blend in the Bobagum produces a soft and resonant sound, while the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate and nylon materials deliver sharper and deeper sounds, respectively. Understanding how the housing materials affect sound profiles and typing experiences can help users choose switches that align with their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is clear that the Bobagum has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Flaming Purple. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium weight switch. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. Some users may prefer the lighter feel of the Flaming Purple for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the more substantial typing experience provided by the heavier Bobagum switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 known for its muted and almost silent sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch offers a bassier and resonant sound, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. The Flaming Purple switch leans towards a deeper and richer sound profile compared to the more subdued sound of the Bobagum switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Bobagum providing a more understated typing experience while the Flaming Purple offers a more engaging auditory flair.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switch is described as having a subtle and gentle resistance, providing a light typing feel without being overly feather-light. This switch is suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is known for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. The Flaming Purple switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, school, or work. This difference in feel showcases the varying characteristics of the two switches, catering to different preferences for typing experiences.
Overall, the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch provides a muted and soft sound with a gentle resistance, perfect for those seeking a more subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Flaming Purple switch offers a bassier and resonant sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, ideal for users looking for a smoother and effortless typing experience. Both switches bring their own distinct features to the table, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on personal preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a smooth and almost 'matte' feel with medium bottom-out force, along with a nearly silent sound profile, then the Bobagum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery, bassier sound with a lighter bottom-out force for swift and effortless typing, then the Flaming Purple could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a muted sound profile (Bobagum) or a poppy undertone and a feathery feel (Flaming Purple). Choose the switch that best complements your typing preferences and enhances your overall typing experience.
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