Gazzew Bobagum vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the nuances of feel and sound against their personal typing preferences. The Gazzew Bobagum switches, celebrated for their smooth, almost 'matte' texture, provide a unique typing experience that strikes a balance between a polished glide and the roughness of unlubricated switches. With a nearly silent operation, these muted, bubblegum-colored switches are ideal for those who appreciate subtlety in sound while typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switches offer a distinctly low sound profile complemented by their compatibility with Wooting keyboards, employing hall effect technology that sets them apart in the market. While the Lavender HE may appeal to users seeking a clean auditory experience and innovative functionality, the Bobagum is perfect for those prioritizing a smooth, tactile feel with minimal distraction. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Neo Lavender HE switches exhibit a clear contrast in their housing materials, which plays a significant role in their respective sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Bobagum uses a proprietary blend of plastics known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This blend is celebrated for its softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. In comparison, the Lavender HE employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that also offers a softer characteristic, leading to a deeper and rounder sound. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality through their softness, the specific compositions of the Bobagum's proprietary blend and the Lavender HE's nylon suggest they may produce different auditory experiences.
While both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Neo Lavender HE emphasize softness as a key attribute of their housing materials, the differences in composition could lead to varied sound signatures despite similar impacts on sound absorption. The Bobagum boasts a proprietary blend which may include characteristics not found in standard nylon, potentially allowing for a unique auditory outcome even if both offer a quality of dulled sound when typing. The Lavender HE, with its traditional nylon housing, is known for creating a fuller sound profile; however, it lacks the bespoke touch that the Bobagum's blend might provide. Therefore, individuals might notice subtle differences in noise levels and tactile feedback when utilizing these switches, despite the overarching shared theme of sound dampening.
When considering the impact of these housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's crucial to understand how each component influences sound and feel. The Bobagum's boba plastic, with its proprietary formulation, may accentuate different tonal qualities than the Nylon used in the Lavender HE, even if the softer elements of both materials help achieve a desired acoustic effect. Since the bottom housing affects the sound and feel most significantly upon the bottom out, users may experience the Bobagum's unique blend differently than the traditional nylon of the Lavender HE. Ultimately, while both switches aim to deliver a satisfying tactile experience with rich sound profiles, the specific materials involved create distinctive attributes; hence, users may prefer one over the other based on their personal sensibilities towards sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are notable differences in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in feel. In contrast, the Lavender HE has a defined actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. This means that the Lavender HE switch is the lighter option overall, offering a softer touch that may favor users looking for comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Bobagum, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While the actuation forces are not directly comparable due to the lack of data for the Bobagum, users seeking a lighter switch would find the Lavender HE more accommodating, while those desiring a bit more resistance should consider the Bobagum.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Bobagum, with its shorter travel distance, is better suited for those who prioritize faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking quick keystrokes. In contrast, the Lavender HE's longer travel distance of 3.8 mm may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press, offering a deeper tactile experience that can feel more satisfying for typing and general use. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bobagum would be the better option, while the Lavender HE might be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switches, the Bobagum is noted for its muted sound profile, which results in a softer and quieter experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer a discreet typing experience or are in shared environments. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE boasts a clean, low sound, which, while similarly quiet, is characterized by its distinctive performance with Wooting keyboards. The sound of both switches may be tempered by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but both are designed to minimize typographical noise.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum offers a subtle typing experience with a gentle resistance, providing a lighter touch that feels comfortable during long typing sessions. This switch strikes a balance between being responsive and maintaining a smooth consistency, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. Conversely, the feel characteristics of the Neo Lavender HE have not been detailed in the available information, leaving a gap in comparison. However, the Bobagum’s unique quality of smoothness is noteworthy for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Neo Lavender HE switches cater to users looking for quieter, more refined typing experiences, albeit with distinct sound profiles. While the Bobagum excels in providing a muted auditory experience coupled with a subtle feel, the Lavender HE's clean low sound adds another layer of appeal, especially for specialized keyboard configurations. Ultimately, both switches offer an excellent balance of performance and acoustics, making them great options for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and subtle typing experience in a quiet environment, the Bobagum is an excellent choice, providing a medium-light feel with a bottom-out force of 55 grams that strikes a balance between control and comfort. Its muted sound profile ensures that you can work on your keyboard without disturbing those around you, making it ideal for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that offers an even lighter touch, the Lavender HE, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, is perfect for you. This switch not only provides a clean, low sound but is also compatible with Wooting keyboards, appealing to those who appreciate advanced functionalities like analog input. In essence, if you value a refined tactile experience and smoothness, reach for the Bobagum; if a lighter actuation and compatibility with specialized keyboards is what you desire, then the Lavender HE should be your go-to option.
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