Gazzew Bobagum vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew Bobagum and Kailh NovelKeys Cream are two mechanical keyboard switches that both fall under the linear switch category. Each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Bobagum is renowned for its unparalleled tactility, providing a smooth and almost 'matte' feel that sets it apart from other switches. Additionally, it offers a nearly silent sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a heftier linear typing experience. Its deeper sound profile adds a level of texture and resonance, creating an invigorating feel while typing. Both switches have their own distinct qualities, and choosing between them depends on personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and overall feel. The Bobagum switch features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing, commonly known as "boba plastic." This unique material provides a softness that delivers a rich and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. Though both switches offer a deep sound profile, the Bobagum's housing material is described as relatively softer and more vibrant, while the Cream's POM housing creates a slightly more muted tone.
When it comes to pressing down on the switches, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the keypress. The Gazzew Bobagum's proprietary plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep bottom-out sound, adding to the overall satisfaction of typing. However, the Cream switch's POM bottom housing also creates a pleasantly deep sound with a slightly more muted tone. Both switches provide a tactile and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
The top housing of the switches influences the sound when the key is released. The Gazzew Bobagum's soft and vibrantly rich top housing contributes to a satisfying "thock" sound upon key release. Similarly, the Cream switch's POM top housing offers a deeper sound profile upon letting go of a key, further enhancing the overall typing experience. Though the materials used for the top and bottom housings differ, both switches excel in delivering a pleasant sound profile when releasing keys.
Overall, while the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches utilize different housing materials, they offer similar results in terms of creating an enjoyable and unique typing experience. Both switches provide a rich and deep sound profile, although the Bobagum switch's proprietary Gazzew blend may contribute to a slightly softer and more vibrant sound. Additionally, both switches possess top and bottom housings that play integral roles in the sound and feel of typing, with the Bobagum switch focusing more on the impact of the bottom housing and the Cream switch incorporating both top and bottom housings for a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Bobagum has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Bobagum more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, the NovelKeys Cream offers a heavier actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams of force to fully press down, whereas the NovelKeys Cream demands 70 grams. This indicates that the NovelKeys Cream is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the Bobagum.
Although the forces of the two switches differ, both fall within the medium range, offering a balance between actuation and bottoming out forces. Therefore, regardless of whether one chooses the Bobagum or the NovelKeys Cream, they can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired weight and feel during typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. 4.0 mm is the more traditional travel distance, whereas 3.6 mm is slightly shorter. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Bobagum a suitable choice for those who prioritize responsiveness. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, and may prefer the longer 4 mm travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream switch for a deeper tactile experience. Both switches offer different options to cater to individual preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired level of depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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
The Bobagum switch is best known for its smooth and matte feel, which sets it apart from other switches. It offers a unique tactility that is often compared to the glide of ice-skating, but with a slightly different texture. This gives it an unparalleled typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Bobagum switch produces a nearly silent sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a heftier linear typing experience. It provides a deeper sound profile compared to the average switch, although not overly pronounced. The Cream switches have a low-pitched sound with a mellow and bass-heavy tone. When typing on them, users can expect a clean and sharp sound profile, creating a more immersive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel. It is characterized by a gentle resistance that is not overly feather-light, allowing for comfortable typing. The sound signature of the Bobagum switch is also not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise is a concern.
On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch is known for its buttery and smooth keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation that is often described as "buttery". Some users might prefer switches with a slight texture, but the Cream switches provide a friction-free typing experience. Additionally, these switches offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, providing an invigorating typing sensation.
Taking all of this information into account, it is clear that both the Bobagum and the NovelKeys Cream switches have their own unique qualities. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Bobagum switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier and more immersive typing experience with a focus on a buttery smooth keystroke, the NovelKeys Cream switch would be a great option. Both switches provide subjective qualities that can enhance your typing experience, and depending on personal preferences, you can achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and typing style.
If you prioritize a smooth and almost "matte" feel with unparalleled tactility, along with a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum switches are an excellent choice for you. The Bobagum's medium bottom out force of 62 grams provides a comfortable typing experience, and the muted sound profile is perfect for shared spaces.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a deep and low-pitched sound profile, the NovelKeys Cream switches are worth considering. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a buttery and effortless typing sensation, making them suitable for those who desire a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the Bobagum switches are ideal for those seeking smoothness, tactility, and a muted sound profile, while the NovelKeys Cream switches are a great choice for individuals who prefer a heftier and low-pitched typing experience. Consider your personal preferences and requirements to determine which switch suits your needs best.
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