Gazzew Bobagum vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Grape Orange each offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their smoothness, featuring a distinctive 'matte' feel that balances between a polished glide and a raw texture, resulting in an experience that feels both refined and subtly satisfying. Their near-silent operation makes them ideal for quiet environments, appealing to those who prioritize discretion while typing. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switches provide an exceptionally light typing experience thanks to their ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, making them a fantastic choice for prolonged typing sessions without the fatigue that heavier switches might cause. While the Bobagum excels in tactile feedback and silent performance, the Grape Orange stands out for its feather-light responsiveness. 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

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Grape Orange both employ distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend, sometimes called "boba plastic," for its top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Grape Orange utilizes polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom housing. The choice of these materials leads to a juxtaposition in sound characteristics: while the Bobagum is characterized by a rich, deep sound due to the softness of its plastic blend, the Grape Orange delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate in its top housing. This difference in materiality illustrates the varied acoustic signatures that can emerge from the specific housing used in a switch.

Moreover, the bottom housing materials further contrast the overall auditory experience. Both the Bobagum and the Grape Orange capitalize on softer plastics to enhance sound absorption — the Bobagum uses its proprietary blend, while the Grape Orange incorporates nylon. This results in a fuller, deeper sound when typing, as both types of plastic are designed to absorb vibrations more effectively than harder materials. However, the effect of these materials is nuanced by the top housing composition, which interacts during key presses. With the Bobagum, the softness of the Gazzew blend contributes to a richer bottom-out experience, while the Grape Orange’s nylon bottom accentuates the depth of sound, counterpointing the clarity introduced by the polycarbonate top.

Ultimately, with the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Grape Orange, we see a classic case of how different material combinations yield varied results. While the Bobagum’s Gazzew blend provides a uniquely soft touch that enhances the lower frequencies, the Grape Orange achieves a heightened clarity and resonance through its polycarbonate top. That said, should one choose to adapt the designs — using a compatible top housing from the Gazzew blend with a polycarbonate option or vice versa — one could potentially blend their respective sound profiles for a custom effect that might lean into the best of both worlds. The duality of the top and bottom housing characteristics is crucial in shaping the entire experience, underscoring the importance of material choice in keyboard switch design.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch has a clearly defined actuation force of 40 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams, which places it in the light category. This indicates that while the Bobagum switch requires the user to exert more force to fully engage, the Grape Orange switch offers a lighter touch for actuation, thereby appealing to those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. Consequently, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Bobagum, with its higher bottom out force, can be considered the heavier choice. If a typist is looking for an extended typing session experience, they may find the lighter action of the Grape Orange more comfortable, whereas others who value a more substantial feel might prefer the Bobagum.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equivalent in this regard. Since both switches require the same distance to activate, users can expect similar tactile feedback and performance when pressing down on the keys. This uniformity in travel distance provides an equal experience, whether one is using the Bobagum or the Grape Orange, ensuring that transition between the two remains seamless for typing or gaming activities. In summary, neither switch is shorter or longer; they deliver the same travel distance, which enhances user familiarity and comfort.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum switches stand out with their muted profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience than more traditional mechanical switches. This sound characteristic allows for a more discreet typing environment, making them well-suited for shared spaces. In contrast, the sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange switches is not specified, but it's important to note that the overall sound may also be influenced by the build of the keyboard and the type of keycaps used. Therefore, while Bobagum switches offer a clear advantage in reduced noise, the Grape Orange's sound remains undetermined without additional context.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch is characterized by its subtle resistance, providing a gentle but satisfying typing experience. This switch strikes a balance between lightness and control, allowing for prolonged use without fatigue, especially in office or shared settings. In comparison, the Grape Orange excels with an exceptionally light 40g actuation force, facilitating a very effortless typing experience. This makes the Grape Orange ideal for those who prioritize minimal resistance and a quick response time, particularly for extensive typing sessions. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing experience, catering to slightly different preferences regarding resistance and actuation.

In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Huano Grape Orange linear switches are designed to enhance the typing experience but cater to different needs. The Bobagum offers a muted sound profile and subtle resistance, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments. The Grape Orange, with its low actuation force, is perfect for those seeking a light and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two may come down to a user's specific preferences for sound and feel; however, both promise a satisfying experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, consider the context of your typing experience and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth, nuanced feel and a near-silent operation, the Bobagum is an excellent choice, especially in environments where noise can be a concern. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and muted sound profile make it ideal for both casual and work settings, where you might benefit from a more tactile typing experience without distractions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a feather-light switch that allows for effortless typing and is particularly suited for long hours of use, the Grape Orange is the way to go. With its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams, it demands minimal effort while providing a comfortable feel, making it great for those who may tire easily from heavier switches. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing habits, whether you seek a smooth and quiet experience or an exceptionally light and easy feel for prolonged sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more