Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and use cases. The Bobagum switch is renowned for its smoothness, providing a tactile experience like no other, with a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch from Gateron is designed for office environments, offering a quiet typing experience while still maintaining a comfortable actuation. While the Bobagum switch is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the Mountain Top switch is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and specific needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Mountain Top switches both offer a unique housing material that contributes to their distinct sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend of plastic for both the top and bottom housing, known for its softness that delivers a rich and deep sound when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches feature nylon top and bottom housing materials, which absorb more sound due to their softness, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their unique sound characteristics.
In terms of the top housing, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend and the Mountain Top's nylon both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of the plastic in both switches absorbs sound effectively, creating a rich and smooth typing experience. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gazzew blend of the Bobagum switch may offer a slightly different sound profile compared to the nylon material used in the Gateron Mountain Top. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is essential in determining the overall typing experience.
While both switches utilize soft plastic materials for their housing components, the Bobagum and the Mountain Top switches may produce slightly different sound profiles due to the specific blend of plastics used. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend is sometimes referred to as "boba plastic" for its unique sound properties, while the nylon material in the Gateron Mountain Top switch is a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that the Gazzew Bobagum has a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Gateron Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The Gateron Mountain Top is the lighter option between the two, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum offers a stronger push feel with its heavier forces, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer that. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the user's preference, with the Gateron Mountain Top offering a lighter typing experience and the Gazzew Bobagum providing a more robust and tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular among gamers for their quick response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper press, the Bobagum may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more immediate response may opt for the Mountain Top switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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 is definitely on the quieter end of the spectrum, providing a muted typing experience that is ideal for those seeking a more discreet keyboard option. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between audible feedback and office-appropriate noise levels. Both switches aim to minimize keyboard noise but achieve it in slightly different ways, catering to varying preferences for sound levels during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle typing experience with a unique smoothness that sets it apart from other switches. Its tactile feedback is described as 'matte' and provides a satisfying typing feel without being overly clicky. On the contrary, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle all at once. These switches offer a lively and responsive typing experience with a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. While both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, they do so through different mechanisms, appealing to users with varying preferences for key feel and feedback.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and settings. While the Bobagum switch prioritizes a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Mountain Top switch focuses on a balanced sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing sound, feedback, and overall typing experience. If you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Bobagum switch may be the way to go, while the Mountain Top switch offers a more versatile option suitable for various typing environments.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and enjoy a unique, almost matte smoothness with a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a switch engineered for discretion in office environments with a light actuation and subdued sound profile, the Mountain Top switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a muted sound (Bobagum) or a light, bouncy typing feel with a neutral sound profile (Mountain Top). Consider these factors to choose the switch that best fits your typing style and environment.
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