Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown are two popular options that offer unique features. The Bobagum switch is renowned for its smoothness, providing a tactile experience that is unlike any other. Typing on these bubblegum-colored switches offers a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown from Gateron is a budget-friendly yet high-quality switch. It boasts a delightful and gentle tactile sensation, allowing for a seamless typing flow without overpowering bumps. Additionally, the G Pro Brown features a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting, giving you an immersive visual experience. With a medium-high pitch, it delivers satisfying auditory feedback that adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown differ in their choice of housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend plastic for its top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This soft plastic contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, if RGB lighting is a priority, the translucent polycarbonate housing proves to be advantageous.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches differ again. The Bobagum incorporates the same Gazzew blend plastic for its bottom housing, delivering a similar rich and deep sound profile as its top housing. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing.
When using these switches, the distinction in the housing materials becomes apparent in the tactile experience. The bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, showcases the qualities of the specific housing material used. In the case of the Bobagum, the softness of the Gazzew blend plastic contributes to a unique tactile sensation. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown adds to the overall typing experience with its softness, further enhancing the feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. The distinctive sound profiles of the Bobagum's soft Gazzew blend plastic and the G Pro 3.0 Brown's stiffer polycarbonate contribute to contrasting auditory experiences when keys are released.
Overall, while both switches offer their unique housing materials, the Bobagum focusing on the Gazzew blend plastic and the G Pro 3.0 Brown opting for polycarbonate and nylon, they ultimately aim to provide different sound profiles and tactile experiences. However, the similarities lie in their quest for delivering satisfaction to users through their carefully chosen housing materials, whether it be the softness of the proprietary Gazzew blend plastic or the stiffer polycarbonate and sound-absorbing nylon materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Starting with the actuation force, the Bobagum requires 46 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 55 grams. This means that the Bobagum is lighter in terms of actuation force. However, it is worth mentioning that both switches fall within the medium force range.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams of force to fully press the switch down, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 63 grams. In this case, the difference in bottom out force is negligible, as both switches have a similar force requirement.
Considering the weight factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Bobagum, as it has a lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown, as it has a heavier actuation force.
In conclusion, while the Bobagum has a lighter actuation force compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown, the difference in bottom out force between the two switches is minimal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with lighter actuation force being favorable for prolonged typing and heavier force providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch have different travel distances, with the Bobagum having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the G Pro 3.0 Brown having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bobagum. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered more shallow. However, there has been a rise in popularity of shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you value a shorter travel distance for increased responsiveness, then the Bobagum would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press with more depth, then the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 best known for its nearly silent profile. 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 sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is not mentioned, so we can't provide a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so results may vary. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a muted sound, the Bobagum switches would be a great choice.
Moving on to feel, the Bobagum switches are described as having an unparalleled tactility that is truly one of a kind. They offer a smoothness that can be best characterized as an almost 'matte' feel. Although the description doesn't mention the specific level of resistance, it indicates that the switch provides a light typing feel with a gentle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are known for their easy-to-press nature. These switches offer a gentle resistance during key presses and require minimal force to activate. This feature enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro Brown switches provide a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. The description also mentions that these switches offer a low-impact typing feel, indicating a mild and approachable typing experience. Furthermore, Gateron has designed these switches with a frosted light diffuser that enhances the RGB lighting and creates an immersive visual experience.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switches provide a nearly silent sound profile and offer unparalleled tactility with their smooth and unique feel. On the other hand, the G Pro Brown switches offer a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with an easy-to-press nature, enhancing the typing experience with their low-impact feel. It's important to consider your personal preferences and requirements when choosing between these switches. However, if you prefer a muted sound and a smooth, almost 'matte' feel, the Bobagum switches would be an excellent choice. If you're looking for an easy-to-press switch with a gentle resistance and a subtle tactile bump, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches would be the way to go. Remember that the overall typing experience is not solely determined by the switches but also by factors such as keyboard board and keycaps used. By taking all this information into account, you can make an informed decision and achieve a satisfying typing experience with either of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize smoothness and a unique tactile experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be a great choice. These switches redefine smoothness and offer an unparalleled tactile sensation with their matte feel. Additionally, they provide a nearly silent sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you value an economical solution without compromising quality and enjoy a gentle tactile feedback, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, carefully crafted to provide a bump that won't overpower your typing flow. They also feature a frosted light diffuser to enhance your RGB lighting experience and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for smoothness and silence (Bobagum) or gentle tactile feedback and budget-friendliness (G Pro 3.0 Brown).
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