Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Glory Red

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Glory Red, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Bobagum stands out for its unique 'matte' smoothness, presenting a typing experience that strikes a balance between polished and textured—a characteristic that many enthusiasts find captivating. Coupled with a nearly silent sound profile, these bubblegum-colored switches cater to those seeking a subtle and muted auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red offers a lighter touch and a satisfying keystroke that boasts an enjoyable travel distance, making it a favorite among typists who prioritize responsiveness and ease of typing. While both switches offer smooth keystrokes conducive to gaming and typing, their differing tactile sensations and sound profiles can significantly affect your overall experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$6.50 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Glory Red switches showcase distinct yet comparable housing materials that contribute to their unique acoustics and overall typing experiences. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic," renowned for its softness. This characteristic allows for a rich and deep sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Red employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, recognized as a classic switch material. Nylon's inherent softness similarly produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound more efficiently than harder plastics. Both switches, therefore, benefit from materials that reduce high-frequency noise, resulting in a more pleasing, low-pitched typing sound.

Examining the construction more closely reveals subtle differences in how these materials affect each switch's performance. The Bobagum's proprietary plastic blend is designed specifically to optimize sound depth, underlining the brand's focus on enhancing auditory qualities. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red's use of nylon—a time-tested material in the keyboard community—ensures a consistent, reliable typing experience favored by many enthusiasts. While both switches aim for a deep sound profile, the Gazzew blend may allow for slight unique tonal nuances that set it apart within its category. Therefore, typing on the Bobagum may yield a distinct auditory feedback compared to the more traditional yet effective sound offered by the Glory Red.

Ultimately, both switches offer unique but comparable profiles that lend themselves to a satisfying typing experience. With both utilizing softer materials, users can expect a similar overall auditory quality, albeit with slight variations influenced by the specific blend or type of plastic used. The Gazzew Bobagum's top housing may impact the key release sound more, while the Gateron Glory Red's consistent nylon structure provides a stable performance across both housing components. As such, users who prefer a rich sound with potentially nuanced characteristics may gravitate toward the Bobagum, while those who appreciate reliability and tradition might choose the Glory Red—both ultimately achieving fulfilling tactile and auditory results due to their essentially softer housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch to the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum's actuation force is currently unknown, while its bottom out force is considered medium-light at 55 grams. In contrast, the Glory Red features a known actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, and its bottom out force is unavailable. This difference means that users might experience a generally lighter feel with the Gateron Glory Red, which can be advantageous for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, with the unmeasured actuation force of the Bobagum, we cannot determine if it offers a similar performance at the actuation stage compared to the Glory Red. Nonetheless, due to the Bobagum's heavier bottom out force, users might find it provides a more substantial typing experience than the Glory Red. Thus, those who appreciate a lighter actuation may gravitate towards the Gateron Glory Red, while those who prefer a firmer feedback may lean towards the Gazzew Bobagum.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning users can expect to experience similar responsiveness and feedback when pressing down on the keys. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable feel during use, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent keypress experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can enjoy similar results in terms of typing or gaming performance, regardless of which switch they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is noted for its nearly silent sound profile, producing a soft and muted auditory experience while typing. This makes it particularly suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Red switches, while also designed for smooth operation, do not have a defined sound profile mentioned, so their auditory characteristics might vary based on the specific setup, including the keyboard and keycaps used. However, it’s reasonable to suggest that if you're looking for a quieter option, the Bobagum might be the better choice.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switches stand out with a characteristic smoothness that is often described as having an almost 'matte' texture. They offer a subtle resistance that enhances the typing experience by avoiding the extremes of both feather-light typing and overly rigid feedback, making them a versatile choice for various tasks. The Gateron Glory Red switches are recognized for their smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance; however, specific feel descriptors aren't available for these switches, leaving a gap in comparative analysis. If the feel is similar in smoothness but varies in resistance, user preference may ultimately dictate the final choice.

Overall, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Glory Red switches cater to those who favor linear switches with a smooth typing experience. The Bobagum excels in producing a muted sound and subtle feel, making it an excellent option for quiet environments. In contrast, while the Glory Red lacks detailed descriptors, it’s still celebrated for its smooth keystroke and pleasant travel. Depending on your particular needs regarding sound and tactile feedback, either switch could lead to a satisfying typing experience, but if noise reduction is crucial, the Bobagum could be your preferred option.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Glory Red linear switches, your personal preferences and typing environment will play crucial roles. If you value smoothness and a quieter typing experience, the Bobagum is an excellent choice with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, muted sound profile, and subtle feel. This makes it particularly well-suited for a shared workspace or for late-night typing sessions where noise might be an issue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a lively travel distance and enjoy a slightly lighter touch, the Glory Red might appeal to you more. Since there isn't specific data on its bottom-out force, you might find it equally enjoyable for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios due to its user-friendly design. Ultimately, choose the Bobagum if you prioritize sound dampening and a unique tactile feel, but lean toward the Gateron Glory Red if you seek an overall smooth and enjoyable typing action without concern for noise levels.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more