Gazzew Bobagum vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Gold Pink. The Bobagum is known for its unique smoothness, offering a tactile experience unlike any other. With its almost 'matte' feel, these switches provide a glide that falls between ice-skating and unlubed switches, creating a distinctive sensation. Additionally, the Bobagum switches produce a nearly silent sound profile when typing, making them perfect for those seeking a more muted and subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Gold Pink switches are renowned for their lightweight nature, with an actuation force of just 37g. Designed for fast and effortless typing, these switches are a favorite among gamers and rapid typists. They provide a satisfying level of feedback, thanks to their clacky sound. In short, the Gold Pinks offer a light and lively typing 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Gold Pink switches have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which is soft and delivers a rich and deep sound. In contrast, the Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. While both materials contribute to sound quality, the Bobagum's top housing offers a softer and more resonant sound, while the Gold Pink's polycarbonate housing creates a clearer and higher-pitched tone. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective use of RGB lighting, which may be advantageous for users looking to incorporate visual elements into their keyboards.
Regarding the bottom housings, the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend and the Gold Pink's nylon offer distinct experiences. The Gazzew blend, also referred to as "boba plastic," ensures a rich and deep sound due to its softness. On the other hand, the nylon material used in the Gold Pink's bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Bobagum's bottom housing provides a soft and deep sound, while the Gold Pink's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller tone.
When both top and bottom housings differ in a switch, each housing material contributes to different aspects of the sound. During keypress, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced more by the qualities of the bottom housing. As such, the bottom housing of the Bobagum, with its softness, will strongly influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the Gazzew Bobagum's top housing, made of a proprietary Gazzew blend or "boba plastic," delivers a rich and resonant sound when releasing a key, while the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and higher-pitched tone in the same scenario.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Bobagum exhibits a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, showcasing a medium level of force required for both keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gold Pink offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which falls into the lighter category.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Gold Pink switch to be more suitable for their needs. The lighter actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. This characteristic can come in handy when using a keyboard for work or engaging in prolonged gaming activities.
In contrast, those who seek a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Bobagum switch. With its slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force, this switch provides a tactile feedback that some users may prefer. The increased force required for each keystroke can contribute to a more satisfying typing experience, offering a sense of solidity and precision.
Although the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two switches, it is worth noting that both options provide a range of forces that cater to various preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Bobagum and the Gold Pink will depend on individual typing preferences, with some finding the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Gold Pink more suitable, while others may prefer the slightly heavier forces of the Bobagum for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, we can see that they have different distances. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both switches fall within the acceptable range. However, the Bobagum offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferable for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Gold Pink provides a slightly longer travel distance, offering a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 switches are best known for their nearly silent sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, resulting in a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the TTC Gold Pink switches is not mentioned in the provided information. 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.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with an almost 'matte' feel. They offer a unique tactile experience that is neither as polished as ice-skating nor as textured as unlubed switches. These switches have a gentle resistance that provides a light typing feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Their sound signature is also described as not resonant, which means they are suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink switches are described as having a buttery, mild, and feathery feel. They offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. With a light actuation force, these switches are comfortable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. The Gold Pink switches stand in a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to most users with their approachable qualities.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switches and the TTC Gold Pink linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Bobagum switches are best known for their smoothness and unparalleled tactility, providing a unique typing experience. They also have a nearly silent sound profile and a subtle feel with gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switches are designed for a fast and effortless typing experience, with a satisfying level of feedback and a buttery, mild, and feathery feel. While the sound profile of the Gold Pink switches is unknown, both switches offer their own advantages depending on the user's preferences. If you're looking for a smooth and nearly silent typing experience, the Bobagum switches are recommended. If you prefer a light and lively typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke, the Gold Pink switches are an excellent choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth, almost 'matte' feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, making them perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a light and lively typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are some of the lightest around, reducing finger fatigue and providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, they offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. Overall, the choice between the Bobagum and Gold Pink switches ultimately comes down to your personal preference for bottom out force and typing experience.
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