Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Hyacinth are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for keyboard enthusiasts. The Bobagum switches are widely recognized for their exceptional smoothness, providing an almost 'matte' feel that sets them apart from other linear switches. With a distinct tactile experience and a muted, subtle sound profile, typing on these bubblegum-colored switches is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches differentiate themselves by incorporating a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to eliminate the common issue of a harsh bottoming-out sensation found in switches with longer stems. This commitment to user comfort, alongside a balanced tactile feedback and auditory experience, makes the KTT Hyacinth a compelling choice for those seeking a smooth and subtle typing experience. However, let's dig even deeper beyond these generalities to fully understand and choose the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Hyacinth differ in terms of their housing materials. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is often referred to as "boba plastic." This plastic blend is known for its softness, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, they achieve different results due to the variation in their housing materials.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend and the Hyacinth's nylon material distinguish them from each other. The Gazzew blend delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will differ, with the Bobagum offering a softer impact compared to the Hyacinth's deeper and fuller sensation.
While the top and bottom housings of a switch may have different materials, they still influence the overall sound in their own ways. Pressing down on a switch will predominantly demonstrate the qualities of the bottom housing. Therefore, the Gazzew Bobagum's softer bottom housing will have a notable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the contrary, releasing a key will showcase the characteristics of the top housing. This signifies that the polycarbonate top housing of the KTT Hyacinth, with its translucency and stiffness, will significantly impact the sound produced when a key is released. These distinctions highlight the significance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Bobagum has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Bobagum also has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 56 grams. This means that the Bobagum switch requires a slightly stronger push for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches fall in the medium to medium-light range, providing a balanced typing experience. Therefore, if one prefers a similar result with lighter forces, the Hyacinth switch would be a suitable choice, while those who prefer a heavier feel would find the Bobagum switch more suitable.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hyacinth has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become popular in recent times. Gamers especially favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Hyacinth, with its slightly shorter travel distance, would be a good choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. In this case, the Bobagum, with its slightly longer travel distance, would provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 described as muted. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them ideal for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth switches have a more neutral sound profile. They fall in the middle ground, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switches provide a subtle typing experience. They have a gentle resistance that is not too light but still maintains a light feel while typing. Additionally, the sound signature is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces where noise is a consideration. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth switches are described as silky. This means that they offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Bobagum, the Hyacinth switches also fall into the subtle category, providing a gentle resistance without being overly feather-light.
Considering all of the available information, it is clear that both the Gazzew Bobagum and KTT Hyacinth switches offer unique qualities that set them apart. The Bobagum switches are known for their unparalleled tactility and nearly silent sound profile, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches stand out with their 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The choice of a single-stage elongated spring in the Hyacinth switches also contributes to a more consistent force curve. While they differ in certain aspects, both switches offer a subtle typing feel and can be suitable for shared spaces due to their non-resonant sound signatures. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. For those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Bobagum switches would be a great choice, while the Hyacinth switches may appeal to those looking for a balance between tactile feedback and user comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and an unparalleled tactility, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a unique smoothness and a nearly silent typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and value a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch would be a suitable option. The Hyacinth switches stand out with their design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance and the use of a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. Moreover, both switches offer suitable sound profiles for different settings, with the Bobagum being described as muted and the Hyacinth as neutral. In terms of feel, the Bobagum is described as subtle, providing a light typing feel with a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Hyacinth is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound.
Mentioned in this article
