Gazzew Bobagum vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Lotus (Heavy) present two compelling options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their unique smoothness that strikes a balance between a matte feel and a subtle glide, providing an almost silent typing experience that many users find comforting and conducive for quiet environments. Their muted and subtle nature attracts those who prioritize a serene work or gaming setup. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, delivering a bouncy, tactile sensation that brings vibrancy to each keystroke. The bright, resonant sound profile of the Lotus not only makes typing more engaging but can also enhance the overall sensory experience for users who thrive on auditory feedback. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you prefer a smooth, muted experience akin to the gentle drift of bubblegum or the lively bounce and clarity of the Lotus switches. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches both boast unique materials for their top and bottom housings, contributing to a rich typing experience characterized by distinct sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings, which is designed to deliver a soft feel and a deep sound profile. This material is engineered to absorb sound effectively, allowing for a tonal quality that is rich and reverberant. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) employs a classic nylon material for both housings, which is also known for its softness but has its own established reputation within the keyboard community. Nylon captures and mutes sound effectively, delivering a fuller and rounder auditory experience that aligns closely with the sound characteristics of the Bobagum.

While both switches rely on softer materials for their housings, the key distinction lies in their base compositions. The Gazzew Bobagum's proprietary blend may exhibit unique acoustic properties that are specifically tuned for its intended sound profile, potentially resulting in variations in feel and performance when compared with the standard nylon used by the Lotus (Heavy). The Bobagum's blend is tailored for a rich and deep auditory experience, whereas the nylon construction of the Lotus consistently provides a classic typing feel appreciated by many typists. Thus, while both switches aim for a profound sound experience, the nuances in their materials could lead to differing user preferences based solely on the subtleties of feel and feedback during use.

In terms of overall sound characteristics, both the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Lotus (Heavy) are engineered to minimize harshness and deliver an immersive typing experience, thanks to their adoption of softer materials. The impact of the bottom housing, which largely dictates the bottom-out feel and sound, can be a focal point for users. Since both switches prioritize sound absorption and richness due to their housing materials, they may produce similar outcomes in terms of sound profile, despite the differences in material composition. Ultimately, users who favor a deep sound signature that reduces keystroke noise will find appealing elements in both the Bobagum and Lotus (Heavy), albeit each delivering a slightly varied tactile experience reflective of their respective housing materials.

Weight

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Bobagum has an actuation force of None grams, indicating that this value is unspecified, making it difficult to compare directly; however, it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, placing it in the medium range. This difference means the Lotus switch requires a firmer keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, while the Bobagum switch may offer a lighter overall sensation due to its unspecified actuation force, the Lotus provides a heavier and more tactile feedback during use. Therefore, for prolonged typing sessions, users seeking lighter switches might favor the Bobagum, while those who appreciate a stronger keystroke will likely opt for the HMX Lotus (Heavy).

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Bobagum measuring 3.6 mm and the Lotus (Heavy) at 3.5 mm. This slight difference means that the Bobagum offers a longer travel distance compared to the Lotus (Heavy), which can lead to varying tactile experiences when typing or gaming. Gamers who favor quicker response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lotus, as it can facilitate faster key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might find the Bobagum's longer travel distance more appealing, providing a deeper feel with each press. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in distance, the Bobagum stands out for those seeking a bit more depth in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches, the differences are stark. The Bobagum offers a nearly silent typing experience, characterized by a muted sound that minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for typing in shared spaces without disturbing others. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) features a bright, resonant sound. This auditory feedback not only communicates the act of typing effectively but also adds an element of engagement to the experience, making every keystroke feel more pronounced. Thus, if sound is a concern, the Bobagum is an excellent choice for quieter environments, while the Lotus may suit those who appreciate a more audible typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with a unique 'matte' sensation. This tactile quality strikes a balance between too gritty and too slick, providing a pleasing typing experience without unwanted texture. It features a subtle resistance, which means that while there is enough feedback when typing, it doesn't feel overly heavy or cumbersome. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy) is designed to deliver a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g that offers a super bouncy feel. This can be appealing for users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Each switch has its own distinctive feel; the Bobagum caters to those who prefer a lighter, more nuanced touch, while the Lotus (Heavy) is tailored for individuals who relish the sensation of more weight behind each keystroke.

Considering the available information about the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches, each brings its own set of strengths tailored towards different typing preferences. The Bobagum is optimal for those seeking a quieter, subtle switch that offers a unique smoothness, making it ideal for shared or focused work environments. Conversely, the Lotus appeals to users who enjoy a more tactile bounce alongside an engaging sound profile. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a more muted experience with finesse or a bouncy, resonant keyboard feel that accentuates each keystroke.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a smooth, almost muted typing experience that is perfect for quieter settings or shared workspaces, the Bobagum is the ideal choice. With its medium-light bottom out force, it offers gentle resistance and a tactile experience that feels pleasant without being overly demanding. This makes it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and quiet operation are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced bounce with a brighter sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback of your keystrokes, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is more suitable for you. The heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many users find enjoyable, especially in more dynamic user environments like gaming or typing with a spirited touch. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your individual typing style, the kind of environment you'll be using the switch in, and what feel you find most satisfying.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more