Gazzew Bobagum vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Cherry MX Brown stand out as popular choices. The Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with their unique tactile feel, striking a balance between the polished glide of ice-skating and the texture of unlubed switches. With a nearly silent sound profile, these switches are perfect for those who prefer a muted typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches are all about subtlety. They offer a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. With a textured feel and low-pitched sound, these switches provide a soothing typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Cherry MX Brown switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches have a proprietary blend top housing, with the Bobagum using its Gazzew blend and the MX Brown using nylon. The softness of these materials results in a rich and deep sound profile when typing. However, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic," is specifically designed to deliver a softer sound profile, while the MX Brown's nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Bobagum and the MX Brown switches use a similar nylon material. This nylon material is known for absorbing sound and creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of the nylon housing allows for a more cushioned typing experience, reducing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you press down on either switch, the bottom housing will have a significant influence on the sound and feel of the switch.
When it comes to the impact on the sound when you let go of a key, the top housing of the switches plays a more crucial role. While the Gazzew blend top housing of the Bobagum is designed to deliver a rich and deep sound, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown also helps create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both materials absorb sound and contribute to the overall sound when releasing a key, providing a satisfying auditory experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Cherry MX Brown switches share similarities in terms of creating a rich and deep sound profile. However, the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend and the MX Brown's nylon material have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Ultimately, both switches offer an enhanced typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams, slightly heavier than the MX Brown's 45 grams. However, the MX Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Bobagum's 62 grams, making it easier to fully depress the keys.
Considering weight in the context of typing preferences, those who prefer a lighter switch may appreciate the MX Brown as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain. This lighter actuation force makes it well-suited for keyboards used in work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Bobagum due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This heavier force provides users with a stronger push feel, adding a sense of satisfaction to each keystroke.
It's important to note that although the actuation and bottom out forces vary between the Bobagum and MX Brown switches, both fall within the medium or medium-light range. Therefore, if someone is seeking a similar typing experience to a Bobagum but prefers a lighter switch, they would likely find the MX Brown to be a suitable alternative. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and desired key weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there is a slight difference in distance. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the MX Brown being slightly longer. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, so the Bobagum may be favored in that regard. However, some individuals may find the shorter distance to feel abrupt, and may prefer the more substantial depth provided by the MX Brown. Ultimately, the choice of travel distance depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00.
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 switch offers a unique experience. Described as muted, these switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This helps minimize noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, if a quieter and more subtle sound is desired, the Bobagum switches would be the recommended choice, while those seeking a deeper and bassier sound might prefer the MX Browns.
Moving on to feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switch redefines smoothness. It provides a tactile experience that can be described as almost matte, showcasing a unique tactility that is truly one of a kind. The typing feel is light and gentle, with a subtle resistance that is not feather-light. Additionally, the sound signature of these switches will not be resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces where quietness is desired. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a textured feel. This means that these switches have noticeable friction when pressed. While some users may prefer this subtle texture for enhanced tactile feedback, others might prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If a smoother and unique tactile experience is desired, the Bobagum switches would be recommended, while those who prefer a textured feel might find the MX Browns more to their liking.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switches provide a nearly silent sound profile with a unique matte-like smoothness, offering unparalleled tactility. Meanwhile, the MX Brown switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound with a subtle texture for enhanced tactile feedback. When it comes to sound and feel, both switches cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider personal preferences and typing style when making a choice. However, it's worth mentioning that the information provided is subjective and may vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize smoothness and an unparalleled tactility in your typing experience, then the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. These switches provide a unique 'matte' feel that redefines smoothness and offers a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. Additionally, the Bobagum switches have a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle typing experience with a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the better choice. These switches offer gentle tactility with a relatively light typing experience and subdued audio feedback. They also have a textured feel, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for smoothness and silent typing with the Bobagum switch or a subtler experience with a textured feel using the MX Brown switch.
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