Gazzew Bobagum vs. HMX Gravel

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Gravel both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Bobagum switches are renowned for their distinctive 'matte' feel, which provides an almost tactile experience without the roughness of unlubed switches or the slickness of polished ones. They deliver a nearly silent typing experience, making them an ideal choice for those who appreciate a muted sound profile while working or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switches shine with their medium-light actuation force, leaning towards a lighter touch that enhances responsiveness and ease of use. Enthusiasts often gravitate towards the Gravel for its refined typing feel and satisfying smoothness, making it a great fit for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and sound, making them excellent choices depending on your personal needs. 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

HMX Gravel Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Gravel switches, the fundamental difference lies in their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Bobagum features a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a rich, deep sound due to its softness. This choice of material is designed to enhance the auditory experience while typing, making the Bobagum switches suitable for users who prefer a warmer and more muted acoustic feedback. In contrast, the HMX Gravel incorporates polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, lending a crisp clarity to each keystroke, while the nylon bottom housing maintains a fuller, more rounded tone.

The aesthetic functionality of the materials also varies between the two switches. The HMX Gravel's polycarbonate top housing is notable for its translucency, enabling RGB lighting to shine through effectively, creating vibrant visual effects that can enhance the typing experience. The Bobagum, while potentially less visually striking in terms of light diffusion due to the opaque nature of its "boba plastic," centers more on sound quality rather than light transmission. Thus, users choosing between these switches may prioritize different aspects based on their preferences—whether the clarity of sound, aesthetic appeal, or a combination of both.

Finally, the interaction of the top and bottom housings in each switch presents an intriguing comparison. In the Bobagum, the identical material used for both housings ensures a cohesive acoustic performance, leading to a consistent sound and feel throughout the keypress. Meanwhile, the HMX Gravel's combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a split auditory experience, where the clarity from the polycarbonate top housing contrasts with the warmth from the nylon bottom. This dichotomy results in a distinctive sound profile during both the bottoming out and releasing of the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Gravel will depend on users' individual preferences for sound, aesthetics, and tactile sensations during their typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Bobagum switch has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the Gravel switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Gravel switch requires less force to activate, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. While the Bobagum's bottom out force is heavier, suggesting a more substantial typing experience, it ultimately remains more ambiguous regarding its actuation force. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter touch, the HMX Gravel is clearly the more appropriate choice, while the Gazzew Bobagum offers a firmer experience for those who favor heavier switches.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, we find that the Bobagum measures 3.6 mm, while the Gravel comes in slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that the Bobagum offers a longer travel distance by 0.1 mm, which could be more appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel and depth in their key presses. In contrast, the Gravel, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a snappier response ideal for gamers seeking faster key activation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either the more pronounced feedback of the Bobagum or the quicker actuation of the Gravel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out with its notably muted profile, producing a softer and quieter experience than many traditional mechanical switches. This muted quality allows for a typing experience that’s less intrusive, making it a perfect option for those working in shared spaces or environments where noise control is essential. Unfortunately, no specific information is provided about the sound profile of the HMX Gravel switch, making it difficult to draw direct conclusions in that regard. However, given that both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking smooth performance, it is fair to surmise that the Gravel switch may also maintain a relatively discreet sound profile.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum offers a unique subtlety characterized by gentle resistance, providing a light and smooth typing sensation that avoids a feather-like response. This makes it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue, especially in quieter settings. The HMX Gravel switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that leans towards an effortless typing experience. Both switches emphasize a refined feel that enhances typing enjoyment while minimizing disruption in shared spaces, suggesting that users may enjoy similarly satisfying tactile experiences regardless of their choice.

In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Gravel linear switches deliver exceptional smoothness and typing comfort, catering well to those who prioritize a pleasant and unobtrusive experience when using mechanical keyboards. The Bobagum’s muted sound and subtle feel make it especially favorable for quieter environments, while the Gravel’s effortless actuation further enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to personal preference in sound and specific tactile feedback, but both promise to provide satisfying results for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth typing experience with a subtle tactile feel, the Bobagum is your go-to option; its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams combined with a nearly silent sound profile makes it an ideal choice for shared environments or if you prefer a more muted auditory experience. The distinctive matte texture provides a unique sensation that can lend itself well to long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer something that provides a light and effortless typing feedback, the Gravel's lighter 50-gram bottom-out force and renowned smoothness will likely enhance your enjoyment, especially if you engage in fast-paced typing or gaming. The Gravel switches cater well to those who seek a quick and responsive feel, perfect for both casual and competitive environments. Ultimately, both switches offer exceptional performance, so consider your typing habits and sound preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more