Gazzew Bobagum vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Cherry MX Purple RGB represent two distinct approaches to typing experience and tactile feedback. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness, featuring a unique 'matte' feel that strikes a balance between glide and texture—making each keystroke feel both pleasing and quiet. This muted sound profile is ideal for users seeking a serene typing environment, such as those who work in shared spaces or prefer a subtle auditory experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches deliver a tactile bump, designed to provide clear feedback without being overly harsh. This makes them particularly appealing for typists who appreciate a more pronounced response during each keystroke, especially in gaming or coding scenarios where accuracy matters. Ultimately, the choice between the Bobagum and the Cherry MX Purple RGB will largely depend on your own preferences for sound and tactile response; 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
N/A
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 Gazzew Bobagum and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer distinct yet complementary sound profiles that stem from their specific housing materials. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both top and bottom housings, which has been characterized as "boba plastic." This material is noted for its softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a more traditional switch housing material. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller yet fuller typing experience. While both switches utilize softer plastics that enhance sound absorption, the nuances in their respective compositions lead to unique acoustic outcomes.
Upon closer examination of the bottom housings, both the Gazzew blend and nylon are designed to deliver a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel. The Bobagum's boba plastic provides that characteristic depth, while the nylon of the Cherry MX Purple RGB similarly contributes to a warmer sound. Because both materials emphasize sound absorption, users can expect a comparatively quiet keypress experience regardless of the switch type. However, the correlation between the materials also indicates that while both switches create a rich auditory experience, the Bobagum may still possess a slightly more resonant quality given its distinct blend geometry compared to the nylon used in the Cherry MX Purple.
The top housings reveal more differentiation in how the typing experience is perceived. With the Gazzew Bobagum's specially formulated blend, the release of a key will produce a softer and richer sound, thanks to the unique acoustic properties of the boba plastic. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Purple RGB is designed to elicit a relatively rounder sound when keys are released. The differences here speak to how the respective materials perform in terms of generating sound upon key release. Thus, while both switches derive similar benefits from their softer plastics, the specific characteristics of their housing materials result in a distinctive typing experience—one that emphasizes both depth and texture in users' auditory feedback.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch present a notable contrast in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bobagum's actuation force is unknown, while its bottom out force registers at 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In comparison, the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown. This makes the MX Purple RGB the lighter option in terms of actuation, potentially appealing to users who favor a more effortless typing experience for extended periods or intense gaming sessions. The Bobagum, with its heavier bottom out force, may be more attractive for those who prefer a substantial feel when typing, suggesting a more grounded mechanical action. Overall, if the actuation force of the Bobagum were known, it could provide further insight into how these switches would perform in practical, long-term use scenarios.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the travel distances highlight a clear distinction. The Bobagum features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Purple RGB has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Bobagum is better suited for those who prefer a quicker and more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its longer distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keypress, allowing for a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing. Ultimately, if you lean towards a snappier experience, the Bobagum would be the go-to choice, whereas those who enjoy a deeper keypress might find the Cherry MX Purple RGB more aligned with their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 switches offer a notably muted profile, making them an excellent choice for those looking to minimize noise during typing. This softer sound means that the characteristic 'clack' often associated with mechanical switches is significantly dampened, creating a serene typing environment. On the other hand, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are well known for their refined tactile feedback, specific information regarding their sound profile is not provided. Generally, Cherry MX switches are known for having a more pronounced audio presence compared to muted switches like the Bobagum.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switches stand out with their subtle and gentle resistance, making them conducive to extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. The light typing feel coupled with a non-resonant sound signature makes them especially suited for shared workspaces where noise sensitivity is important. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, while well-regarded for their tactile bump, do not have specific details articulated regarding their overall feel. That said, they are generally aimed at providing a satisfying tactile response without sacrificing too much smoothness.
Overall, both switch options cater to different preferences: the Bobagum excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, ideal for users prioritizing stealth and comfort, while the MX Purple RGB is designed for tactile enthusiasts who crave that distinctive bump. For those looking for a more serene and almost muted typing experience, the Bobagum is the superior choice, whereas users who appreciate tactile feedback might prefer the Cherry MX Purple. The unique qualities of each switch will ultimately guide newcomers towards their ideal typing experience, matching their needs and working environments accordingly.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a smooth, almost matte typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Bobagum would be an excellent fit, especially if you’re typing in shared spaces or simply prefer a quiet keyboard. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams ensures a gentle typing feel that's not too taxing on your fingers, making it ideal for extended writing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile response that gives you clear feedback with each keypress, the Cherry MX Purple RGB might be more to your liking. Designed with a refined tactile bump, this switch is perfect for those who appreciate the distinct sensations of a tactile switch while also engaging in typing or gaming. In essence, choose the Bobagum for a smooth and silent experience, while the MX Purple RGB is your go-to if you want that satisfying tactile feedback.
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