Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Matcha are two unique and impressive mechanical keyboard switches, each offering its own set of advantages. The Bobagum is renowned for its smoothness, providing a distinctive matte feel that sets it apart from other switches. With its bubblegum color, these linear switches deliver unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, making typing a delightfully muted experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is a tactile switch that excels in providing a comfortable and snappy typing experience. Its long pole stem ensures a clean bottom-out sound, adding to its appeal. With its stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle characteristics, the Matcha switch offers a range of tactile sensations. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Matcha differ in terms of their housing materials. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Matcha features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, if RGB lighting is a priority, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous.
The bottom housing of the Bobagum is also made from the proprietary Gazzew blend, delivering a rich and deep sound profile similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Matcha incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer different qualities depending on the chosen housing material.
If a switch utilizes different housing materials for its top and bottom, the characteristics of each material will be split between the two halves of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will result in feeling the attributes of the bottom housing, while releasing a key will showcase the characteristics of the top housing. It is important to consider this division when comparing the overall sound and feel of the Gazzew Bobagum and KTT Matcha, as they differ in terms of their housing materials and the resulting effects on their performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are distinct differences in their weight characteristics. The Bobagum has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Matcha's lighter 40 grams. This means that for users who prefer a stronger push feel, the Bobagum may be the preferred choice as it provides a slightly more substantial typing experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Matcha is lighter with a force of 45 grams compared to the Bobagum's bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Matcha more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter switch that allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. Overall, the Bobagum offers a medium weight experience for both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Matcha provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Matcha switch is slightly longer than the Bobagum switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Matcha being closer to the standard 4.0 mm measurement. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Bobagum switch. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced key press may lean towards the Matcha switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and prioritized factors such as response time and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 Gazzew Bobagum is best described as muted. Muted switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is known for its clacky sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle experience. This means it has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the Bobagum switch has a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Matcha switch provides a stepped, snappy, accented, and feathery feel. Stepped switches have a two-stage tactile feedback, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Snappy switches are super responsive, giving the typing experience a lively feel. Accented switches provide a medium amount of tactility, neither overwhelming nor subtle, and feathery switches are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue.
Based on the available information, the Bobagum switch offers a unique tactile experience with a nearly silent sound profile. It provides a smoothness that is described as matte and unparalleled. The Matcha switch, on the other hand, offers a comfortable and snappy tactility with a clean bottom-out sound. Although the sound and feel qualities of these switches differ, it is important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard, including the board and keycaps, in order to find the best fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and almost muted typing experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a unique tactile feel that is unmatched. They provide a nearly silent sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and stepped tactile switch with a lighter bottom-out force, the KTT Matcha is the better option. With a bottom-out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a comfortable and clean typing experience, with a distinct bottom-out sound. Ultimately, the choice between the Bobagum and Matcha switches depends on your preference for smoothness, sound, and tactility, so consider these factors when making your decision.
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