Gazzew Bobagum vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to the feel and sound that suits your typing style. The Gazzew Bobagum switches are renowned for their unique 'matte' texture, which strikes a delicate balance between smoothness and subtlety, making them a joy to use while maintaining a nearly silent sound profile ideal for quiet workspaces. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switches offer an ultra-light feel, designed specifically for comfort during long typing sessions while ensuring a discrete, whisper-quiet operation, which is particularly beneficial in shared environments. Both switches cater to users who prioritize a smooth, silent experience, yet they excel in different aspects: the Bobagum offers an unparalleled tactile sensation, while the Light Sakura focuses on reducing fatigue and noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Light Sakura, it is clear that both switches utilize distinct plastic composites that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housings, often colloquially referred to as "boba plastic." This material is characterized by its softness, leading to a warm, rich, and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a stiffer plastic known for creating clearer, crisper, and higher-pitched sounds. This fundamental difference in material composition lays the groundwork for the auditory experience each switch provides.
One notable impact of the housing materials is how they affect the overall acoustic characteristics of each switch. The Bobagum's softer "boba plastic" may generate a more muted sound, giving you a satisfying bottom-out feel while producing a sound that feels more grounded and rounded. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate of the Light Sakura lends itself to a sharper auditory experience, with the potential for resonant highs that shine through, especially when illuminated by RGB lighting features. The aesthetic quality of polycarbonate also adds another dimension, as its translucency is visually appealing while enhancing light diffusion in RGB setups, something the Bobagum's opaque housing may not achieve.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials dictates the nuanced qualities of each switch, leading to unique tactile and auditory experiences. The Bobagum, with its consistent "boba plastic" throughout, maintains a cohesive sound profile that leans toward the rich and deep, especially when bottoming out. Conversely, the Light Sakura’s use of polycarbonate allows for a distinguished clarity in sound that might appeal to users who prefer a lighter, more lively keystroke. While they are different, enthusiasts can achieve somewhat similar outcomes in terms of pleasant typing experiences through thoughtful tuning, such as adding dampening materials or adjusting keycap profiles, underscoring the impact of design choices beyond materials alone.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Bobagum's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is measured at 55 grams, indicating a medium-light resistance that may appeal to those seeking a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Bobagum's bottom out force is heavier than that of the Light Sakura, both switches allow for different responsive experiences depending on user preference. If someone is looking for ease of use and comfort over long durations, the Light Sakura would be the better choice due to its lighter overall resistance.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing either switch, users will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and actuation behavior. Consequently, those seeking a consistent feel in their typing experience can expect equivalent performance from both switches, making them equally suitable for users who prefer that specific travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gazzew Bobagum and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches, both are designed with a focus on quiet operation. The Bobagum's sound is characterized as muted, offering a softer auditory experience that minimizes the typical noise of mechanical keyboards. While the Light Sakura's sound characteristics are not explicitly defined, it is mentioned as a silent switch which suggests that it also promotes a low-noise environment suited for shared spaces. Therefore, users can expect both switches to provide a discreet typing experience, allowing for minimal distraction to others.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch delivers an unparalleled typing experience, offering a unique matte texture that is smoother than unlubed switches but not as slick as polished options found in some high-end switches. It boasts a subtle resistance, providing a gentle yet satisfying tactile feedback that is suitable for extended use. On the other hand, while the feel of the Light Sakura is not explicitly mentioned, its ultra-light design is aimed at comfort, making it ideal for lengthy typing sessions, which suggests a focus on reducing fatigue. This means that those who appreciate a lighter touch will find the Light Sakura appealing.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Bsun Light Sakura switches cater to users seeking a quiet and comfortable typing experience. The Bobagum excels in providing a unique matte feel with muted sound, while the Light Sakura focuses on ultra-light comfort without disturbing those nearby. Ultimately, while they differ in texture and typing feedback, both switches promise a pleasant typing experience in shared environments, ensuring that users can achieve similar results in terms of noise and comfort throughout their typing sessions.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and your environment. If you enjoy a medium-light switch that offers a unique smoothness and a muted sound profile, the Bobagum is likely the better pick for you. Its subtle feel and almost 'matte' texture provide a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate a tactile sensation without the harshness of more traditional switches. On the other hand, if you are looking for an ultra-light switch that prioritizes comfort and is perfect for long typing sessions without disturbing others, the Light Sakura would be the ideal choice. Its light actuation force and quiet operation make it especially well-suited for office environments and shared spaces where discretion is key. Ultimately, considering factors such as typing duration and ambient noise levels can guide you to the right switch that complements your lifestyle and enhances your typing experience.