Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. The Bobagum switches are well-known for their unique smoothness that offers a tactile sensation unlike any other. With a matte-like feel and a silent sound profile, these bubblegum-colored switches provide a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switches from Gateron's G Pro series are designed for delicate typists who prefer effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g and a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting, these switches offer a clacky and creamy typing experience with a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches have their distinct features, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the polycarbonate material is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. So, while the Bobagum offers a softer and more mellow sound, the G Pro 3.0 White provides a more vibrant and precise auditory experience.
As for the bottom housing, the Bobagum employs the same Gazzew blend as its top housing, delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the Bobagum offers a softer and more cushioned typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 White provides a slightly firmer and more solid bottom-out sensation.
When it comes to pressing and releasing the keys, the qualities of the housing materials are more pronounced. The bottom housing, whether it's the Gazzew blend or nylon, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing material will influence the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White will provide different experiences in terms of both pressing and releasing keys, with the Bobagum offering a softer and smoother release sound compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's potentially sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bobagum has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's 38 grams, making the Bobagum require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bobagum has a heavier force of 62 grams while the G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter force of 45 grams.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter switch would find the G Pro 3.0 White more suitable as its lower actuation force allows for a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and prolonged gaming. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience or need a stronger push feel may opt for the Bobagum with its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
In summary, the Bobagum provides a medium level of actuation and bottom out forces, making it a versatile option with a slightly heavier feel. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a lighter typing experience with lower actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal typing preferences and the desired level of typing resistance.
Travel distance
The Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have different travel distances. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.6 mm is slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so the Bobagum may be a better choice for those looking for a more responsive keyboard. However, some people find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, so if you prefer a deeper key press, the G Pro 3.0 White with its 4 mm travel distance may be the better option. Overall, it depends on personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the individual user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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 described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. The Bobagum switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more subtle and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as clacky. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is also described as neutral and subdued, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various environments.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switch provides a unique tactile experience. Its smoothness can be compared to a matte texture rather than the polished glide of ice-skating or the unlubed switches' texture. While the specific feel is not mentioned, the Bobagum switch offers an unparalleled tactility that is truly one of a kind. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers multiple descriptors for its feel. It is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. These descriptors indicate that the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and light actuation force. This results in a low-impact and comfortable typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the subjective qualities of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch offers a nearly silent sound profile with a muted characteristic, while the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a clacky sound with a more neutral or subdued option. In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch stands out with its unique smoothness and tactile sensation. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a range of descriptors such as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle, emphasizing its smooth and low-impact typing experience. However, it's important to note that the specific feel and sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used. If you are looking for similar results to either switch, certain aspects can be considered. To achieve a more muted typing sound, choosing switches with a subdued descriptor may help. For a smooth and low-impact typing feel, opting for switches with descriptors like creamy, easy-to-press, or silky can provide a similar experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and unique tactile experience, along with a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying level of resistance, while still maintaining a relatively light typing feel. The muted sound profile also makes it suitable for shared spaces, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option with an incredibly light actuation force of 45 grams, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be a better fit for you. This switch offers effortless and sensitive keystrokes, making typing easy and comfortable. The creamy feel of the switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. Additionally, the switch's neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various environments, whether you're a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you'll be using it at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose wisely and enjoy the pleasure of a mechanical keyboard tailored to your preferences.