Gazzew Bobagum vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, there are two standout options to consider: the Gazzew Bobagum and the TKC Kiwi. On one hand, the Bobagum offers a unique experience with its smooth yet tactile feel. Its almost matte texture sets it apart, providing an unparalleled tactility that is truly one of a kind. Additionally, these bubblegum-colored switches deliver a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches are designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, immersing you in a truly immersive typing experience. They come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Categorized as stepped, low-pitched, neutral, accented, and polished, the Kiwi switches provide a diverse range of characteristics. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the TKC Kiwi differ in composition and sound profile. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing, commonly known as "boba plastic." This material's softness contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE, a more recently introduced material, for its top and bottom housing. This material offers a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks while typing. Therefore, if sound profile is a significant concern, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend would be a preferable choice.
When considering the impact on the typing experience, the housing materials of the Bobagum and the Kiwi can be analyzed further. With both switches, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt when pressing down on the switch, as this component has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. For the Bobagum, the softness of the Gazzew blend contributes to a more cushioned and smoother bottom-out experience. Similarly, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi provides a distinct feel, although more focused on delivering a resonant clack with each keypress. Thus, users who prioritize a particular typing feel might favor one switch over the other based on these distinctions.
Although the top and bottom housing materials of the Bobagum and the Kiwi offer varying sound profiles and typing experiences, similarities can still be found. Both switches introduce proprietary blends and newer materials, highlighting the continuous efforts within the mechanical keyboard community to innovate and enhance switch performance. Additionally, it is worth noting that the impact of the top housing material is more evident when releasing a key. Therefore, if the sound when lifting a key plays a crucial role in the user's preference, evaluating the top housing material becomes crucial. However, for those seeking similar results in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the Gazzew blend and UHWMPE exhibit their own distinct characteristics, making each switch a unique option in its own right.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches fall within the medium weight category, making them suitable for a wide range of typists. The Bobagum has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Kiwi's 43 grams. This means that the Bobagum requires a slightly lighter touch for the keystroke to register. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bobagum is heavier with a force of 62 grams, while the Kiwi measures in at 67 grams. This indicates that the Kiwi provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Bobagum might be the preferred choice, while users seeking a more substantial feel may opt for the Kiwi.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there is a slight difference in their travel distances. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with 4.0mm being the more traditional distance and 3.0mm being the most shallow, the 4 mm travel distance of the Kiwi can be considered slightly longer than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Bobagum. Gamers who prioritize fast response times often prefer shorter travel distances, making the Bobagum a favorable choice for them. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced typing experience might gravitate towards the Kiwi with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with both switches offering similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00.
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
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is best known for its unique smoothness and unparalleled tactility. When typing on these bubblegum-colored switches, you can expect a nearly silent sound profile, with a muted quality that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Bobagum switch offers a smooth and matte feel, unlike the polished glide of ice-skating or the texture of unlubed switches.
On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches provide a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that delivers a truly immersive typing experience. The Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and skill levels.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle experience with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch has a stepped feel, with two stages of tactility that provide a prominent amount of accented feedback. The Kiwi switch is also lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box.
To summarize, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Bobagum switch provides an unparalleled smoothness, muted sound profile, and a subtle typing feel. Meanwhile, the Kiwi switch offers a snappy sound profile, low-pitched sound, stepped and accented tactility, and a polished typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and almost matte feel with unparalleled tactility, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and provide a nearly silent sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches deliver a satisfyingly snappy sound profile and come lightly factory lubed for a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switches have a neutral sound profile, which makes them versatile for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use them at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and TKC Kiwi switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific typing experience you're looking for.
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