Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Laurel, two impressive linear switches that offer unique features for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Bobagum switch stands out with its remarkable smoothness, providing a tactile experience unlike any other. With a texture that lies between the glide of ice-skating and the feel of unlubed switches, typing on these bubblegum-colored switches is an absolute delight. Additionally, the Bobagum offers a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch showcases a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel switch offers an exceptional typing experience. Moreover, it boasts a subtly low-pitched sound profile, ensuring that each keystroke is both satisfying and satisfyingly quiet. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Laurel differ in terms of their housing materials. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Laurel opts for POM housings for both its top and bottom, which produce an incredibly pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Therefore, while the housing materials differ, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can provide a satisfying typing experience.
When examining the impact of the housing materials on the switch's performance, it is important to consider how the top and bottom housings affect different aspects of typing. With the Bobagum, the qualities of the proprietary plastic blend are split between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing comes into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction allows for a dynamic typing experience where the nuances of sound are present during both keystroke and key release.
Similarly, the Laurel showcases the effects of its POM housings on the typing experience. While the housing material may be the same for both the top and bottom, the characteristics of POM still make a notable difference. As with the Bobagum, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing contributes to the sound during key release. In this case, the housing material is responsible for generating a sound profile that is deep and more subdued, adding a unique touch to the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Laurel utilize different housing materials in their construction, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Bobagum employs a proprietary plastic blend, delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness, while the Laurel's POM housings create a pleasing and unique sound that is relatively more muted. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the housing materials influencing the sound during keystroke and key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Bobagum switch has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, both of which are considered medium. On the other hand, the Laurel switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a smoother and less fatiguing typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. This would be ideal for individuals who frequently use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions.
However, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Bobagum switch would be a better option. With its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it offers a more tactile feedback and a satisfying key press. This type of switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
It is important to consider that while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, they are relatively close to each other. As a result, individuals who enjoy the characteristics of one switch but prefer a slightly lighter or heavier feel can still achieve similar results by choosing the switch with the desired force. Ultimately, the decision between the Bobagum and Laurel switches will depend on personal preferences regarding the typing experience, with the Bobagum being the heavier option and the Laurel being the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Bobagum with its shorter travel distance would be the preferred choice for gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key might find the Laurel with its slightly longer travel distance more enjoyable. Both switches offer a departure from the traditional 4.0mm travel distance, showcasing the growing popularity of shorter travel distances in recent times. In essence, while the Bobagum and the Laurel have a slight variation in their travel distances, both provide comparable results and cater to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 Bobagum switch offers a nearly silent typing experience. The switch has a muted sound profile, which means it is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the Laurel switch has a low-pitched sound profile. It produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone, giving it a subtle and pleasing sound. Keep in mind that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Bobagum switch provides a unique tactile experience. It is known for its smoothness, offering a sensation that can be compared to a matte surface. The switch has a gentle resistance, providing a light typing feel. Additionally, the Bobagum switch has a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is desired. On the other hand, the Laurel switch is described as snappy. It is highly responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs. This gives the Laurel switch a lively and quick typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bobagum and Laurel switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch provides a smooth and almost matte-like feel, offering unparalleled tactility. It has a nearly silent sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. It has a low-pitched sound profile, giving it a mellow and pleasing sound. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. If you are looking for a smooth and quiet experience, the Bobagum switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and responsive feel, the Laurel switch would be the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and almost 'matte' feel with unparalleled tactility, along with a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a lower-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a snappy and super responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking. Both switches have their unique qualities and can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that matches your individual needs and typing style.
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