Gazzew Bobagum vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh BCP, both linear switches. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their unique smoothness, offering a soft matte feel that strikes a balance between being overly slick and unrefined, making them ideal for those who favor a muted and subtle tactile experience. Their nearly silent sound profile adds to their appeal, making them a great choice for quiet environments. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switches bring a vibrant twist to the typing experience with a creamy, bouncy feel and a distinctive poppy sound that can infuse character into your keystrokes. While both switches offer a linear mechanism, the BCP's clacky auditory feedback contrasts sharply with the Bobagum's discretion. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, silent experience or a more lively, expressive typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 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
Nylon
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
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh BCP switches reveal a fascinating interplay of design philosophies centered on sound profiles. The Gazzew Bobagum employs a proprietary blend of plastic commonly referred to as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This specialized blend is designed to enhance the overall auditory experience by delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its inherent softness. In contrast, the Kailh BCP features nylon as its housing material. While nylon is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, it shares a commonality with boba plastic in that it is also a softer plastic. This comparative softness between the two materials suggests that both switches are tailored to offer an enjoyable and acoustic experience, potentially leading to similar auditory results.
Both switches emphasize the role of softer plastics in sound absorption, which influences the overall typing feel and sound character. For the Bobagum, the dual use of its proprietary Gazzew blend enhances the switch's cohesiveness, meaning the auditory qualities from both the top and bottom housings fully align. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP, with its nylon housing, may allow for a more segmented audio experience where the distinct characteristics of the top and bottom housings interact separately. However, since both materials focus on reducing harshness and enhancing fullness, users can expect a complementary typing experience from the BCP that might parallel the Bobagum's acoustic richness.
In practice, the interaction between the top and bottom housings impacts the sound and feel experienced when typing on either switch. The Gazzew Bobagum offers a unified auditory profile, while the Kailh BCP benefits from its nylon construction to create a more nuanced sound experience. When bottoming out on the Kailh BCP, the nylon bottom housing comes into more prominent play, akin to how the softer Bobagum encapsulates a rich sound dampening effect. For users seeking deeper auditory characteristics, both switches achieve this through their inherent material properties, illustrating how different materials can lead to similar outcomes in the realm of keyboard acoustics and user satisfaction.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has an unspecified actuation force, but its bottom out force is measured at 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Kailh BCP features a defined actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, positioning it in the medium-heavy range. This significant difference suggests that the Bobagum may provide a lighter typing experience overall, while the BCP's heavier forces offer more resistance that some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. If the actuation force of the Bobagum were comparable to the BCP's, resulting in both switches having relatively similar actuation capabilities, users would experience a consistent typing experience, albeit with the Bobagum being lighter when considering their bottom out forces. Thus, for those seeking a switch suitable for prolonged use or a lighter touch, the Gazzew Bobagum would likely be the better option, whereas the Kailh BCP caters to those who enjoy a heavier keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the Bobagum features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the BCP has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Bobagum provides a bit more depth in its actuation, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP, with its shorter travel distance, might be more suitable for gamers who favor quicker response times and more immediate feedback. Ultimately, while both switches are designed for modern preferences, the Bobagum offers a longer travel distance for those seeking a deeper experience, while the BCP caters to users prioritizing speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 linear switch stands out with its nearly silent profile, offering a muted typing experience ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. This characteristic minimizes the sound typically associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for more discreet typing sessions. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch features a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. While the sound output of the BCP may not be excessively loud, it could be perceived as more audible than the subdued tones of the Bobagum, making it potentially less suitable for shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum offers an almost matte typing experience characterized by smoothness and subtle resistance, falling between a polished glide and the roughness of unlubed switches. This provides a gentle yet responsive typing experience that is well-suited for prolonged use. Conversely, the Kailh BCP delivers a creamy, viscous feel with elastic bounciness, which can create a distinctly different typing experience. This dynamic quality offers an enjoyable tactile sensation but may feel more springy compared to the subdued feedback from the Bobagum.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Kailh BCP linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum's muted sound and matte-like smoothness create an environment tailored for quiet typing, while the BCP's poppy sound and elastic feel offer a more lively experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch which emphasizes silence and smoothness, the Bobagum is your go-to. If tactile excitement and a more pronounced auditory feedback appeal to you, then the BCP could be the better choice. Regardless of your preference, both switches provide unique attributes that will enhance your typing experience based on individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh BCP linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a smooth and subtle typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Bobagum is an excellent choice, especially in shared or quieter spaces where minimizing noise is essential. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it approachable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience with a bouncier feel and enjoy the delightful feedback of a clacky sound, then the Kailh BCP might be the better fit for you. The BCP's medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams provides a sturdier feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and quietness or prefer a lively, responsive typing experience.
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