Gazzew Bobagum vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Zuoce Lavender, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Bobagum offers a smoothness unlike any other, with a tactile feel that sets it apart from traditional switches, while also providing a nearly silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender boasts exceptional smoothness straight out of the box, paired with a satisfyingly crisp and clacky sound profile. These distinctions categorize the Bobagum as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', and the Lavender as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky'. Deciding between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's delve deeper into their specifics to help you make an informed decision on which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Zuoce Lavender both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing known for its softness, delivering a rich and deep sound. In comparison, the Lavender utilizes POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Both switches offer a distinct sound experience, with the Bobagum's top housing focusing on a softer tone while the Lavender's POM top housing providing a unique and pleasing sound profile.
On the other hand, when it comes to bottom housings, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend offers a rich and deep sound profile, similar to its top housing. Meanwhile, the Lavender's POM bottom housing also contributes to a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and more muted. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, showcasing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in creating the overall sound experience of a mechanical switch.
Overall, while the Gazzew Bobagum and Zuoce Lavender have different materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying sound profile to users. The Bobagum's soft Gazzew blend and the Lavender's POM material both work in harmony to produce a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Whether it's the deep and rich sound of the Bobagum or the muted yet pleasing tone of the Lavender, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bobagum is heavier at 62 grams, while the Lavender is lighter at 53 grams. Both switches fall in the medium range when it comes to actuation force, but the Lavender is considered medium-light in terms of bottom out force. This means that the Bobagum may provide a slightly lighter initial typing experience with a more substantial bottoming out feel, while the Lavender offers a slightly heavier initial typing feel with a lighter bottoming out sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing experience and whether a lighter or heavier switch is preferred.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are currently popular among gamers for their faster response times. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly more responsive feel, the Lavender switch may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you enjoy a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys, the Bobagum switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so the choice between them comes down to individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is known for its almost 'matte' feel and a nearly silent sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, which offers a crisp and clacky sound signature. The Bobagum switch will be more muted in its acoustics, while the Lavender switch will have a sharper and more pronounced sound when typing. Both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, but the sound produced by each will cater to different preferences—whether one prefers a quieter or more distinct sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Bobagum linear switch is characterized by a unique smoothness that offers unparalleled tactility and a subtle resistance, providing a light and gentle typing feel without a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch boasts exceptional smoothness right out of the box and is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. This easy-to-press attribute enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience but in slightly different ways—one focusing on tactility and the other on effortless typing with minimal resistance.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch each have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Bobagum switch offers a quieter and more tactile typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Lavender switch provides a crisp and clacky sound signature with an easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between them will depend on whether one values a quieter, more tactile switch or a crisper, easier-to-press option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more muted sound profile with subtle tactile feedback, the Bobagum switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, and an easy-to-press typing feel, the Lavender switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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