Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Ink Yellow are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features and benefits. The Bobagum is known for its unparalleled tactility and smoothness, providing an almost 'matte' feel that is unlike any other switch. With a muted and subtle sound profile, typing on these bubblegum-colored switches is nearly silent. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch is celebrated for its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, offering a polished feel. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the characteristics of these switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches both feature proprietary blend top and bottom housings, though they differ in their specific characteristics. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend top housing, commonly referred to as "boba plastic," offers a softness that results in a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Ink Yellow's INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, produces a satisfying thin and clacky sound. While these housing materials differ in sound profile, they both contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a unique auditory feedback when the key is released.
The bottom housings of the Bobagum and Ink Yellow switches share a similar description in terms of their proprietary plastic blend. Both bottom housings, known as "boba plastic" and INK blend, respectively, deliver a softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. When a key is pressed down, the bottom housing exerts an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, users can expect a comparable tactile experience from both switches, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Bobagum's Gazzew blend top housing emphasizes a softer and deeper sound upon key release, the Ink Yellow's INK blend top housing leans towards a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Conversely, the bottom housing has a more prominent influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Despite these differences, both switches offer a level of auditory satisfaction and tactile feedback that enthusiasts seek, making them suitable options for users looking for enhanced typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bobagum has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the Ink Yellow requires 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams, whereas the Ink Yellow necessitates a slightly heavier 67 grams. As a result, the Bobagum can provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a stronger push feel, allowing for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, individuals seeking a switch with a heavier force should opt for the Ink Yellow, while those in search of a lighter option can find similar results with the Bobagum.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it is worth noting that the Bobagum has a slightly longer travel distance.
In terms of preferences, shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Ink Yellow with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. In this case, the Bobagum with its longer travel distance might be more suitable.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer a comparable experience, and whether you opt for the slightly shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow or the slightly longer travel distance of the Bobagum, you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 switch stands out with its nearly silent profile. The switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This muted sound is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience or for shared spaces where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate level of noise. It doesn't have the same level of quietness as the Bobagum switch but still offers a pleasant and moderate sound. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you're looking for a similar sound to the Bobagum switch, the Ink Yellow switch can provide a comparable experience.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switch redefines smoothness with its unique texture. It's often described as having an "almost matte" feel, which sets it apart from other switches. While it doesn't offer the polished glide of ice-skating, it provides an unparalleled tactility that's truly one of a kind. Additionally, the resistance of the Bobagum switch is described as subtle, maintaining a light typing feel. This switch is especially suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience and a non-resonant sound, making it ideal for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Ink Yellow switch also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and sleek key travel. This is achieved through either the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing, which reduces friction. The Ink Yellow switch strikes a balance between a comfortable feel and a refined typing experience.
Overall, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Ink Yellow switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum switch excels in providing an exceptional tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, which is perfect for those who prioritize smoothness and quiet typing. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch offers a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It provides a moderate sound profile with a touch of clackiness, along with a mild and polished feel. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Keep in mind that the final sound and feel will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize smoothness and a unique tactile experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its almost 'matte' feel, these bubblegum-colored switches redefine smoothness and offer unparalleled tactility. Additionally, they provide a nearly silent sound profile, making them perfect for quiet environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a shorter travel distance and showcase a pleasant smoothness with a slight clackiness. They provide a moderate actuation force and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes.
In terms of sound, the Bobagum switch is described as muted, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch is neutral in sound, but also has a clacky option available for a sharper and snappy sound when pressed.
When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch provides a subtle resistance and a light typing feel, suitable for shared spaces. The Ink Yellow switch offers a more gentle typing experience, with a mild feel that is approachable to most. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switch features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as smoothness, sound profile, typing experience, and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. By carefully assessing these factors, you will be able to make an informed decision and find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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