Gazzew Bobagum vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as contenders in the linear switch category. The Bobagum offers a unique smoothness with a matte feel that is unlike any other switch, providing a truly one-of-a-kind tactile experience and a nearly silent sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver prides itself on being the fastest within the MX switch lineup, with a linear action and low spring resistance that allows for instant triggering, making it ideal for gamers seeking rapid response times. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Bobagum being best for those looking for a muted and subtle typing experience, and the MX Speed Silver excelling in providing a textured, thocky feel with low-pitched sound feedback. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and Cherry MX Speed Silver both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," is designed to deliver a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Similarly, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top and bottom housing also provide a deep and full sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer a similar sound experience, the specific qualities of the housing materials may result in subtle differences in tone and feel.
Despite the similarities in their housing materials, the Gazzew Bobagum and Cherry MX Speed Silver may differ in the nuances of their sound profiles. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend plastic may produce a slightly richer and softer sound compared to the nylon housing of the MX Speed Silver. This difference could be more noticeable when typing on the switches, with the Bobagum offering a potentially more nuanced and immersive sound experience. However, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing feel and sound that enthusiasts appreciate.
In terms of construction, the top and bottom housings play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. With the Gazzew Bobagum featuring the same proprietary blend for both top and bottom housing, users can expect a consistent sound profile across the entire switch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver's use of nylon for both housings may create a cohesive sound experience, with the softer plastic absorbing more sound for a full and rounded tone. Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 30 grams, while the Bobagum has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Bobagum is 62 grams, which is unavailable for the MX Speed Silver. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Speed Silver would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Bobagum for its slightly heavier actuation force. In terms of weight, the Bobagum offers a medium level of actuation and bottom out force, while the MX Speed Silver lacks information on its bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be significant enough to noticeably impact performance, so users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the level of responsiveness and depth desired while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 typing experience that is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a thocky, low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying when pressed, adding a tactile element to the typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences depending on the user's desired auditory feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Bobagum switch provides a subtle typing experience with gentle resistance, striking a balance between a light typing feel and a lack of resonant sound. This makes it suitable for shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is textured, which means it may have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this added texture for a more tactile typing experience, while others may find it less comfortable compared to a smoother switch. Ultimately, the feel of each switch will come down to personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience with subtle tactility, while the MX Speed Silver switch prioritizes rapid response and textured feedback for gamers seeking maximum speed. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, as they cater to different aspects of the mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person can help determine which one best suits your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch or the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and use case. If you prioritize smoothness, tactility, and a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you prefer a muted sound and a subtle typing feel. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for maximum speed and instant response, the MX Speed Silver with its thocky, low-pitched sound and textured feel may be more suitable for your gaming needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so take into consideration your typing style and preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Bobagum and MX Speed Silver will depend on what aspects of a mechanical keyboard switch are most important to you.
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