Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron North Pole V2. The Bobagum is renowned for its smoothness, offering a unique tactile experience that resembles a matte texture. Typing on these bubblegum-colored switches produces a nearly silent sound profile, creating a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 provides a gummy and creamy typing feel, accompanied by a deep and muted sound profile. This switch offers a bouncy and polished sensation while typing. Both switches have their distinct qualities, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities, so you can determine the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.50 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ significantly. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend in both the top and bottom housings, commonly known as "boba plastic." This unique blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the North Pole V2 features polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, a relatively stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Bobagum and the North Pole V2 share the same material but offer different results. Both switches benefit from the softness of their respective housing materials, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile. However, due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, the North Pole V2 produces a sharper and more resonant sound when bottoming out, offering a more defined tactile experience compared to the Bobagum's softer bottom-out feel.

In terms of the top housing, the housing materials of the Bobagum and the North Pole V2 once again lead to contrasting outcomes. The softness of the Bobagum's Gazzew blend creates a rich and deep sound when releasing a key, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate used in the North Pole V2's top housing results in a crisper sound when letting go of a key, providing a more pronounced feedback. Both switches offer distinct auditory cues upon key release, but the Bobagum leans towards a softer, more muted sound while the North Pole V2 delivers a clearer and more defined sound.

In summary, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ in their housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend delivers a softer and more muted sound, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate gives rise to a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches benefit from the unique qualities of their respective housing materials, offering a satisfying tactile feel and an overall enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are slight differences to consider. The Bobagum has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams. On the other hand, the Bobagum has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. If you prefer a lighter feel and want to type for longer periods, the Bobagum may be a better choice due to its slightly lower actuation force. However, if you prefer a more substantial and stronger push feel, the North Pole V2 with its slightly higher bottom out force might be the preferable option. Overall, both switches provide similar results, with the Bobagum being slightly lighter and the North Pole V2 being slightly heavier.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, while 3.0 mm is on the shallower end. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, the Bobagum falls into this category and can be a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel to their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is best described as having a nearly silent profile. The muted sound it produces is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a more subdued sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it provides a dampened and more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch provides a unique and almost "matte" feel. It offers a smoothness that is distinct, not quite like the polished glide of ice-skating or the texture of unlubed switches. This switch redefines smoothness and offers an unparalleled tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is described as having a gummy typing feel. When bottoming out, it provides a sensation similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, giving a creamy sensation as you glide effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, it provides a bouncy feedback sensation, giving a spring-like and lively feel to the keys.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Bobagum stands out for its smoothness and unparalleled tactility, providing a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 offers a unique gummy typing feel, along with a creamy and bouncy typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as some may prefer the refined feel of the Bobagum while others may enjoy the gummy and creamy experience of the North Pole V2. Overall, if you're looking for a smooth and almost silent option, the Bobagum is a great choice. If you prefer a gummy and creamy typing feel with bouncy feedback, the North Pole V2 is the way to go.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and almost matte-like feel with unparalleled tactility, along with a nearly silent typing experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be your best choice. These bubblegum-colored switches redefine smoothness and offer a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and muted typing feel with a satisfying chewy sensation, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch would be more suitable for you. These switches provide a gummy typing experience and have a subdued sound profile. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy bottom out force range and offer different characteristics in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences for sound and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more