Gazzew Bobagum vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum and the Cherry Nixie mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their individual characteristics and qualities. The Bobagum switch stands out for its smoothness, offering a unique 'matte' feel that redefines tactile feedback. With a nearly silent sound profile and bubblegum-colored housing, the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a revered classic known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through updated materials and springs. Categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Nixie offers a different typing experience than the Bobagum. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and Cherry Nixie both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, while the Nixie utilizes a nylon top housing, which also produces a deep and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb more sound. Both materials offer a similar result in terms of sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
On the bottom housing side, the Bobagum also utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend to create a rich and deep sound profile, similar to the top housing. In contrast, the Nixie uses a nylon bottom housing, which, like its top housing counterpart, absorbs more sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, and both housings provide a similar impact on the overall sound experience of the switch.
While the Gazzew Bobagum and Cherry Nixie differ in the specific housing materials used for their switches, both switches ultimately aim to deliver a rich and deep sound profile to the user. The softness of the Gazzew blend top and bottom housings in the Bobagum and the nylon top and bottom housings in the Nixie contribute to a similar sound experience, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastics. Whether it's the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel or the sound when releasing a key, both housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for these switches.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Cherry Nixie linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum has a total force of 62 grams, while the Nixie requires 80 grams to bottom out. The Bobagum provides a more medium feel overall, making it a good option for those who prefer a balance between a lighter actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, the Nixie offers a heavier typing experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, but the Nixie is overall heavier compared to the Bobagum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Cherry Nixie has the longer travel distance compared to the Bobagum. The Nixie's 4 mm travel distance falls within the traditional range, offering a moderate depth that many users find comfortable. On the other hand, the Bobagum's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it suitable for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer quality performance, but the Nixie provides a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.15.
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, creating a softer and quieter sound compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving a deep and satisfying auditory feedback when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Bobagum's muted sound may be more suitable for shared spaces, while the Nixie's thocky sound may be more appealing to those who enjoy a richer tone.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch boasts a subtle resistance that provides a light typing feel without being too featherlight, accompanied by a unique tactile sensation. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured feel, which adds noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the smoothness of the Bobagum switch, while others may enjoy the added texture of the Nixie for a more tactile typing experience.
Overall, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences within the keyboard community. While the Bobagum provides a nearly silent and smooth typing experience, the Nixie offers a more substantial and textured feel. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience. With either switch, users can expect high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel of each switch. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a switch that offers unparalleled smoothness with a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a switch that provides a substantial, textured typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound, the Nixie might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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