Gazzew Bobagum vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Honey. The Bobagum switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness, offering a unique and tactile experience with its almost 'matte' feel. Typing on these bubblegum-colored switches is not only smooth but also nearly silent, making them perfect for those who prefer a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch provides a smooth and creamy typing sensation, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. With its array of qualities such as being subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, the Honey switch offers a versatile typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Honey switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing made of "boba plastic," which is known for its softness. This results in a rich and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Honey switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a relatively stiffer plastic. This creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Therefore, while the Bobagum offers a softer sound experience, the Honey delivers a more clear and resonant sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches also differ in their impact on the sound profile. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, like its top housing counterpart, contributes to a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Honey switch utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which leads to a sharper and crisper sound. This means that when using the Bobagum, the bottom-out sound and feel will have a more pronounced impact, while the Honey will provide a more distinct and precise bottom-out experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Honey switch offers an advantage if you plan to use RGB lighting. Its polycarbonate top housing is translucent, allowing the lighting effects to shine through. This makes it especially useful for creating visually appealing keyboard setups. The Bobagum, on the other hand, does not provide the same level of translucency and is better suited for those who prioritize sound over visual effects. However, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, there are differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bobagum switch has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Honey switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Bobagum switch requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Honey switch.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Bobagum switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Honey switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that when using the Bobagum switch, users will experience a slightly stronger resistance when fully pressing down on the keys compared to the Honey switch.
Considering weight as a factor, it is worth noting that the Honey switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Bobagum switch. This lighter weight can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience or engage in prolonged typing sessions, such as those using a keyboard for work or indulging in extended gaming sessions.
However, individuals who prioritize a stronger key press feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may find the Bobagum switch more suitable. With its slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force, this switch provides a tactile feedback that offers a sense of solidity when typing.
In summary, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch differ, catering to different preferences, they both offer similar results in terms of fulfilling their intended purpose.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch have different travel distances. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value quick response times. However, there is a slight difference in the travel distance between the two switches. The Bobagum with its 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter than the Honey with its 3.8 mm travel distance. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Bobagum may be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel, the Honey with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option. Ultimately, it depends on individual preferences and typing styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 offer a nearly silent profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This muted sound helps to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switches provide a subdued sound when pressed. While not completely silent, these switches offer a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience, although the Bobagum is known for its almost silent sound profile, while the Honey provides a more dampened sound.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with a unique tactile sensation. They offer a smooth, almost matte feel that is not as polished as ice-skating but far from the texture of unlubed switches. This tactile experience provides a one-of-a-kind typing feel that is hard to find elsewhere. The Bobagum switches are also described as having a subtle resistance, which gives them a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of these switches is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, the TTC Honey switches are known for their creamy and buttery typing experience. This smooth sensation can be attributed to either the application of lubricant in the switch at the factory or the specific materials used. Typing on the Honey switches feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys, with each keystroke providing a silky sensation. These switches offer frictionless and fluid key travel, resulting in a seamless and uniform typing experience. Similar to the Bobagum switches, the Honey switches also offer a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel without being too feather-like.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Honey switches provide unique subjective qualities. The Bobagum switches are best known for their unparalleled tactility, smoothness, and almost silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Honey switches offer a creamy and buttery typing experience with a more subdued sound. While they differ in some aspects, both switches excel in delivering a smooth typing feel and are suitable for shared spaces due to their relatively quiet sound profiles. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch would be an excellent choice to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and enjoy a unique tactile experience, the Bobagum switches would be your go-to option. With their almost matte-like smoothness, these switches offer unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, making them ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a creamy and smooth typing experience, the TTC Honey switches would be a better fit for you. Known for their deep and pleasant sound profile, these switches provide a silky sensation, as if effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys with each keystroke. Whether it's the frictionless, buttery, or polished feel, the Honey switches offer a uniform typing experience with reduced resistance or friction.
Consider the sound profiles as well. If you prefer a muted switch, which produces softer and quieter sound, the Bobagum switches are a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound signature, the Honey switches provide a dampened sound when pressed, making them suitable for shared spaces.
In the end, both the Bobagum and Honey switches offer their own unique characteristics and advantages. Whether it's the smoothness and tactile experience of the Bobagum switches or the creaminess and pleasant sound of the Honey switches, it's important to consider your individual preferences and prioritize what matters most to you when making a decision.
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