Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

The Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Ink Box Black are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique qualities and features. The Bobagum switches are known for their unparalleled tactility and smoothness, delivering a typing experience like no other. With their "matte" feel, they strike a balance between the polished glide of ice-skating and the texture of unlubed switches. Additionally, the Bobagum switches offer a nearly silent sound profile, making them ideal for those seeking a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are praised for their exceptional smoothness and creamy feel. These switches exude a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. With their silky and polished characteristics, the Ink Box Blacks offer a unique typing experience that stands out. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$6.50 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Ink Box Black differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. This softer plastic blend creates a more mellow tone when pressing down on the switch, and the bottom housing particularly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Ink Box Black from Gateron features the proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing. This blend is described as having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a satisfyingly thin and clacky sound. The INK blend brings a slightly sharper tone compared to the Bobagum's boba plastic.

While the Bobagum and Ink Box Black have different housing materials, they do share some similarities in terms of sound. Both switches have a relatively high-pitched sound profile, although the Ink Box Black is characterized as slightly sharper. The top housing, regardless of the switch, plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite their different materials, the top housing of each switch will contribute to the satisfying sound when letting go of a key. Additionally, as both switches have proprietary blends for their housing materials, they offer unique and distinct sound characteristics compared to switches with standard plastic housings.

In terms of feel, the bottom housing of each switch has a notable impact on the overall experience. The Bobagum's boba plastic bottom housing adds to the softness of the switch, resulting in a more cushioned and tactile feel. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black contributes to a more solid and precise keypress, enhancing the clackiness of the switch. These differences in bottom housing materials allow users to customize their typing experience based on their preference for a softer, cushioned feel or a sharper, crisper keypress.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, some notable differences arise. The Bobagum has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the Ink Box Black requires 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams compared to the Ink Box Black's heavier 70 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bobagum switch would be the more favorable option, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This would make it suitable for individuals who need to type for extended periods at work or during long gaming sessions.

On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing, as it gives a satisfying feedback and a sense of stability.

While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between these switches, both can provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a lighter or heavier typing feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. Therefore, both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a nearly silent typing experience. These switches have a muted sound profile, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a clacky sound signature that can be described as sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Ink Box Black switches have a high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. However, 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.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gazzew Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with an almost "matte" feel. While they are not as polished as ice-skating, they offer a unique tactility that is smooth and not too resistant. This subtle resistance combined with the Bobagum's light typing feel makes it suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches are silky in feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. They offer minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, giving them a polished and sleek typing feel.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches differ in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switches provide a nearly silent sound profile and have a subtle resistance with a light typing feel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switches produce a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise, and offer a silky smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. However, it's important to remember that other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.

If both switches are used with the same keyboard board and keycaps, it is likely that the subjective qualities of the switches will be similar, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with muted sound profiles. However, it's always advisable to consider personal preferences and test the switches firsthand to determine which one suits an individual's typing style and preferences best.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prioritize smoothness and a unique tactility, the Bobagum switches are the way to go. They offer a one-of-a-kind 'matte' feel with unparalleled smoothness and a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience, the Ink Box Blacks are the better choice. These switches have a silky feel and produce a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken.

When it comes to sound, the Bobagum switches are described as muted, meaning they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This makes them great for minimizing noise in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Ink Box Blacks have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. They produce a sharp and snappy sound, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more crisp and bright typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switches are described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. They are suitable for shared spaces and provide a non-resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Ink Box Blacks have a silky and polished feel. They provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch depends on your preferences for smoothness, sound, and feel. Consider what attributes are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more