Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches each present unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Gazzew Bobagum switches are distinguished by their soft, matte feel, providing an unparalleled typing experience that strikes a balance between smoothness and subtle texture. Their nearly silent sound profile makes them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet workspace or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches offer a heavier keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, designed for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. This makes them suitable for both typing and gaming, ensuring a responsive and enjoyable experience. Ultimately, both switches have attractive features, emphasizing smoothness and comfort, but they serve diverse needs in terms of feedback and sound. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Glory Yellow, both switches utilize soft plastic compositions that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Bobagum features a proprietary blend of plastic, often referred to as "boba plastic," which is designed to enhance the auditory experience during typing. This blend creates a rich and deep sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. Similarly, the Glory Yellow utilizes nylon for its housing, which is recognized as a classic material in switch design. Like the Gazzew blend, nylon is softer than harder plastics, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively and generate a fuller, rounded sound. Consequently, despite their differences in specific materials, both switches achieve similar auditory results through their soft plastic compositions.
The bottom housing of both the Bobagum and the Glory Yellow switches is also a significant factor in determining the overall feel and sound produced during typing. The Gazzew Bobagum maintains its proprietary "boba plastic" blend for the bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics that enhance the auditory experience in its top housing. Meanwhile, the Gateron Glory Yellow employs nylon for its bottom housing as well, a choice that supports the desired sound profile and impact on key presses. Both designs highlight the importance of softer materials in creating deeper sound profiles, with the bottom housing being crucial in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel as one presses down on the switches.
Furthermore, the differences in housing materials between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Glory Yellow can affect the overall typing experience, particularly when considering the interaction of the top and bottom housings. With the Bobagum's proprietary blend used for both sections, the sound and feel during key releases and presses remain consistent. In contrast, the Glory Yellow's combination of soft nylon for both top and bottom housings introduces a different but harmoniously rounded typing sensation. Ultimately, the unique formulations of both switches, while contrasting in materials, yield similar desirable results in terms of sound depth and richness through their reliance on softer plastic elements.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has an unknown actuation force, making it impossible to determine how it will feel during light typing or gaming. However, it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light, suggesting a softer feel when fully pressed. In contrast, the Glory Yellow switch boasts a measurable actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a relatively light touch to register keystrokes, though its bottom out force is not specified. This makes the Glory Yellow a lighter option overall for those who prefer longer typing sessions or prolonged gaming. Since the actuation force of the Bobagum is unknown, it's unclear how it might compare in feel during use, especially in terms of typing stamina. Therefore, if looking for a switch that provides a bit more weight, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a lighter push due to its specified actuation force, while the Bobagum may provide a different experience without a clear actuation value.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Bobagum features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Glory Yellow offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Bobagum switch provides a shorter travel distance, catering to gamers who might prioritize faster response times, while the Glory Yellow switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced key press and a sense of depth in their typing experience. Thus, if you opt for the Bobagum, you can expect quicker actuation, whereas the Glory Yellow will deliver a more substantial tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 characterized by a muted sound profile, which means it produces a softer and quieter feedback than many traditional mechanical switches. This quality minimizes the common noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for environments where discretion is important. In contrast, there is no specific information on the sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, leaving an element of mystery regarding their acoustic performance. However, it’s worth noting that sound can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material, which means both switches might still perform similarly in terms of sound depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch excels with its unique ‘matte’ sensation, which provides an exceptional typing experience. Its subtle resistance gives it a gentle, almost plush feel while maintaining a light touch, making it suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. This switch is designed to minimize resonation, making it ideal for shared spaces thanks to its quiet operation. On the other hand, no specific characteristics have been provided regarding the feel of the Gateron Glory Yellow switches. Without this information, it's difficult to draw a direct comparison, but it's likely that the Glory Yellow will possess some contrasting tactile qualities due to its designation as heavier within its lineup.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out for its muted sound and refined feel, making it a top choice for those seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience. The absence of specific sound and feel descriptions for the Gateron Glory Yellow leaves some room for interpretation but suggests potential differences in tactile feedback and acoustics that might appeal to a variety of users. Ultimately, both options may produce similar experiences depending on the typing environment and keyboard assembly, but the Bobagum's characteristics are clear and well-defined, whereas the Glory Yellow remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches, consider your specific typing preferences and your environment. If you value a smooth typing experience that offers a muted sound profile, the Bobagum switches would be an excellent choice, particularly in shared or quiet spaces where noise is a concern. Their medium-light bottom-out force and subtle resistance allow for comfortable and prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier feel that still delivers a satisfying keystroke, the Gateron Glory Yellow could be more suited to your needs. These switches offer a smooth travel distance and may appeal to typists who enjoy a bit more heft during their key presses. Ultimately, your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, as well as your typing environment, will guide your choice between these two compelling options.