Gazzew Bobagum vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Durock Medium Tactile are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with unique qualities to offer. The Bobagum is widely recognized for its extraordinary smoothness, providing users with an almost 'matte' feel that sets it apart from other switches. Its tactility is unparalleled, falling somewhere between the polished glide of ice-skating and the texture of unlubed switches. Additionally, typing on these bubblegum-colored switches produces a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch by Durock stands out for its wonderful tactile feedback. With a balanced and pronounced tactility, this switch offers a satisfying typing experience that is enhanced by its jelly-like sound signature. While both switches possess their own unique qualities, deciding on the best option for you requires a deeper exploration of their features.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Durock Medium Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing made of a soft plastic blend, known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. However, both switches offer excellent sound profiles, showcasing distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Bobagum offers softer and deeper tones, the Medium Tactile delivers a sharper and more precise auditory experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend and the Medium Tactile's nylon differ in their sound profiles as well. The Gazzew blend used in the Bobagum's bottom housing, just like in the top housing, results in a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound and generates a duller and rounder auditory response. While the Bobagum's bottom housing emphasizes its soft and deep tones, the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing enhances a deeper and fuller sound experience.

When comparing the impact of top and bottom housings on a switch's sound and feel, it becomes evident that they play different roles. The bottom housing of a switch, which is in direct contact with the keypress, influences the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the qualities of the bottom housing will determine the sensation and sound when a key is fully pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing, responsible for the sound when a key is released, has a greater impact on the sound when you let go of a key. By having distinct housing materials for the top and bottom, the Gazzew Bobagum and Durock Medium Tactile effectively distribute the qualities and characteristics of their respective housing materials throughout the switch, ensuring a holistic sound experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, we see some similarities and differences. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls within the medium range. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch does not have the specific actuation force mentioned. However, it does have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier, categorizing it as medium-heavy.

Considering weight is important for different reasons. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force, as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This is especially useful for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or extended gaming sessions. However, others are inclined towards a stronger push and prefer a heavier bottom out force, as it provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.

While the actuation force of the Bobagum is lighter compared to the Medium Tactile switch, they both fall within the medium range, and as a result, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel. However, it is worth noting that the bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch is slightly heavier, indicating a more pronounced tactile feedback and a stronger feeling when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Medium Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bobagum. If you prefer a more traditional and deeper feel when typing, the Medium Tactile may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quicker response time and a shallower feel, the Bobagum with its shorter travel distance would be more suitable. Both switches offer different experiences, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when deciding which one to choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is best described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as jelly-like, although specific details about the sound are not provided. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle experience. It has a gentle resistance that is not feather-like but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of the Bobagum switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers an accented tactile experience. It provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch is also described as stepped, which means it feels like it has two stages with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Medium Tactile switch is mild in its characteristics and provides a gentle typing experience. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience due to materials used and/or factory lubing.

In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch is known for its nearly silent sound profile and subtle feel. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature and offers an accented tactile experience with a stepped feel. Both switches provide unique experiences, and the choice between them depends on the individual's preferences. However, it is important to consider that keyboard and keycap choices can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gazzew Bobagum is a great choice. The Bobagum switches are known for their smoothness and unparalleled tactility. They have a unique 'matte' feel and provide a nearly silent typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile is an excellent option. These switches offer a pronounced yet balanced tactility and have a jelly-like sound signature. While the sound profile of the Bobagum is described as muted, we don't have specific information about the sound of the Medium Tactile. In terms of feel, the Bobagum is subtle and provides a light typing experience suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the Medium Tactile is accented, stepped, mild, and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and your desired level of bottom out force.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more