Gazzew Bobagum vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Neptune mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, it's clear that they offer unique features and benefits to users. The Bobagum stands out for its smoothness and distinctive tactile feel, providing a typing experience unlike any other with its almost 'matte' texture. In contrast, the Neptune impresses with its innovative internal structure that offers a harmonious balance between smooth glide and springy resistance, reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi. While the Bobagum is praised for its nearly silent sound profile and subtle tactility, the Neptune excels in being ultralight for swift typing and maintaining a muted sound signature. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Neptune both use proprietary plastic blends for their top housing, with the Bobagum featuring a Gazzew blend and the Neptune utilizing POM material. Both materials are known for delivering rich and deep sound profiles, although the Gazzew blend from the Bobagum is described as softer, providing a slightly different sound experience compared to the more muted and deeper sound produced by POM in the Neptune. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique sound experience that is pleasing to enthusiasts.
In terms of bottom housings, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend and the Neptune's polycarbonate materials offer contrasting sound profiles. The Gazzew blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, similar to its impact on the top housing, while polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, emphasizing the importance of housing material in overall sound quality. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is favored for clear housing switches due to its translucency, allowing for RGB lighting effects.
While the top and bottom housings of a switch may have different materials and thus impact different aspects of the sound profile, ultimately they come together to create a unique typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when a key is released. Both the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Neptune showcase how the choice of housing material can significantly influence the overall sound quality of a switch, providing enthusiasts with a variety of options to customize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Neptune's 41 grams, making it a bit heavier to initiate a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams of force while the Neptune only needs 50 grams, indicating that the Bobagum is also heavier when fully pressed. This means that the Bobagum offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Neptune provides a lighter touch for those looking to type for longer periods without fatigue. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Bobagum being better suited for users who prefer a heavier switch, and the Neptune ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Bobagum being the shorter of the two. For those who prioritize quicker response times, the Bobagum may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, some may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Neptune switch for a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum offers a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune features a low-pitched and subdued sound, creating a more mellow and bass-heavy tone that reduces the overall auditory ambiance to a refined level. Both switches aim for a quieter typing experience, with the Bobagum offering a nearly silent sound and the Neptune providing a more bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bobagum is described as offering a subtle typing experience with gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature. In contrast, the TTC Neptune provides a buttery, gummy, and frictionless typing experience, combining smooth and fluid keystrokes with a unique sensation akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or gummy bear. This frictionless and mild feel makes typing on the Neptune effortless and uniform, appealing to those seeking a comfortable and unique typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Neptune offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum stands out for its almost 'matte' feel and nearly silent sound profile, providing an unparalleled tactile experience, while the Neptune excels in offering a harmonious balance of smoothness and springy resistance with a low-pitched and subdued sound. Depending on personal preference, individuals can choose between the quiet and subtle typing experience of the Bobagum or the buttery and gummy sensation of the Neptune, knowing they will get a satisfying and exceptional typing experience from either switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch or the TTC Neptune linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a nearly silent typing experience with a unique tactile feel, the Bobagum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a harmonious balance between smoothness and springy resistance, and a muted sound profile with a textured pleasure in every keystroke, then the Neptune might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard switch.
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