Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both stand out as excellent options, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Bobagum switch redefines smoothness with a distinctive 'matte' feel, providing an unparalleled tactility and nearly silent sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch from Gateron offers a smooth and budget-friendly option with a buttery smoothness and a pleasing low-pitched “thock” sound, appealing to those looking for a switch that is buttery, bassy, thocky, and low-pitched. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both aim to deliver a rich and deep sound profile, although they achieve this through slightly different means. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," is soft and provides a unique sound experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a classic switch material that also delivers a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature. While the Bobagum's blend may offer a more distinct sound due to its proprietary nature, the nylon used in the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is tried and true for creating a desired sound outcome.
Both the Bobagum and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) use housing materials that aim to absorb sound and create a softer, rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. The Gazzew blend in the Bobagum switch is designed to deliver a deep sound profile with its softness, while the nylon housing in the Gateron switch achieves a similar result through its ability to absorb more sound. This means that both switches will likely offer a more muted, duller sound compared to switches made of harder plastics, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a quieter keyboard.
Despite using different housing materials, the top and bottom housings of the Bobagum and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) work together to deliver a cohesive sound and feel. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when a key is released. This means that both switches offer a balanced sound experience that combines the unique properties of their respective housing materials to create a distinct typing sensation for the user.
Weight
In comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it's evident that the Bobagum is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Milky Red Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation force, but the Bobagum leans towards the heavier end, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro is lighter in comparison, which may cater to those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Bobagum offering a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Milky Red Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we can see that the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Milky Red Pro's 4 mm. The Bobagum offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for fast input. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro provides a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may feel more satisfying to those who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Bobagum offering speed and the Milky Red Pro offering a more substantial key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 linear switch offers a muted and nearly silent typing experience, perfect for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch produces a bassy, thocky sound with a low-pitched tone, providing a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Bobagum being more muted and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offering a deeper and richer tone.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch provides a subtle typing experience with a unique tactile feel that is smooth yet not overly polished. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches have their own distinct feel, with the Bobagum providing a tactile experience and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offering a smooth and uniform typing feel.
Overall, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bobagum is known for its muted sound profile and unique tactile feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out with its bassy and thocky sound and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Bobagum offering a more subtle and tactile feel while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a buttery and smooth typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a unique and almost silent typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. The Bobagum offers unparalleled tactility with a muted sound profile, making it a great option for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the ideal choice. The Milky Red Pro switches provide a smooth and affordable typing experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound profile. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for feel, sound, and bottom out force. Consider the Bobagum for a unique tactile feel and almost silent typing, or opt for the Milky Red Pro for a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a budget-friendly price point.
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