Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Oil King. The Bobagum switch redefines smoothness with its unique almost 'matte' feel. It offers an unparalleled tactility that sets it apart from other switches, giving a typing experience like no other. Additionally, these bubblegum-colored switches provide a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quiet environment. On the other hand, the Oil King switch stands out for its buttery smoothness, delivering a typing experience akin to snapping a dark chocolate bar. With a low-pitched and creamy sound profile, these switches offer a blissfully smooth experience that is both silky and bassy. Both switches have their distinct advantages and characteristics, making them excellent choices for different 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Oil King switches have distinct characteristics, shaping the sound profiles and typing experiences of the switches. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. This softness in the plastic material enhances the typing experience, creating a satisfying and mellow sound when the key bottoms out. In contrast, the Oil King employs nylon for its top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, eliciting a rounder and duller sound when typing.
While both the Bobagum and the Oil King feature unique housing materials for their top housing, they both offer typing experiences that emphasize a deeper and more resonant sound. The Bobagum utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend, known as "boba plastic," while the Oil King incorporates nylon. Although the specific characteristics of each housing material may differ, they both share the ability to absorb sound, creating a mellower and more substantial typing sound. Therefore, despite the differences in the materials used, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound when it comes to bottoming out a key.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Bobagum and the Oil King switches employ different materials with varying sound profiles. The Bobagum uses its proprietary Gazzew blend, delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. This contributes to a satisfying typing experience and a pleasant sound when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This unique blend results in a thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as being clacky. As a result, the bottom housing material greatly influences the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Oil King switches bring distinct characteristics to the typing experience. While the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend and the Oil King's nylon top housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the bottom housing materials differ in their impact on sound and feel. The Bobagum's soft Gazzew blend enhances the bottom-out sound and provides a rich and deep typing experience. In contrast, the Oil King's INK blend delivers a pointed and higher-pitched sound, creating a unique clacky sensation. Despite these differences, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Bobagum has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bobagum requires a slightly heavier force of 62 grams, while the Oil King requires 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Bobagum more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger and more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Oil King, as it provides a slightly heavier actuation force for a more satisfying keystroke.
In terms of actuation force, the Bobagum is lighter, while the Oil King is heavier. However, they both have similar medium actuation forces, which means that users looking for a balanced typing experience can achieve similar results with either switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Oil King falls within the more common 4.0 mm range, while the Bobagum is on the shallower end at 3.6 mm. However, with the rising popularity of shorter travel distances, the Bobagum provides a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel may find the longer travel distance of the Oil King to be more suitable. In summary, while the Bobagum offers a shorter travel distance for increased responsiveness, the Oil King provides a slightly longer distance for those seeking a deeper key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $6.50. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Bobagum and Oil King (V2).
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 Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is best known for its unique smoothness and unparalleled tactility. When typing on these switches, users can expect a nearly silent sound profile. The Bobagum switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches, resulting in a muted sound that minimizes noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is praised for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. The Oil King switch has a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone during key presses, offering a deep and rich sound profile. It provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle typing experience with gentle resistance. The typing feel is light and not feather-like, while the sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Oil King switch provides a creamy, silky, and buttery typing sensation. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the Oil King switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Oil King switches differ in their sound and feel qualities. The Bobagum switch has a muted sound with a subtle typing experience, while the Oil King switch has a low-pitched sound with a creamy and silky typing sensation. Both switches provide smoothness and a unique tactile feel, making them great options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the nearly silent sound and subtle tactile feel of the Bobagum switch or the rich sound and smooth typing experience of the Oil King switch. Regardless of the choice, users can expect exceptional quality and performance from these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium bottom out force and a switch that redefines smoothness with a unique "matte" feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the right choice for you. These switches offer unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, making them perfect for quiet environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a switch that provides buttery smoothness and a low-pitched, deep sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a silky and creamy typing experience, with reduced friction and a sleek finish. Ultimately, the choice between the Bobagum and Oil King switches boils down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound, and overall feel. Both switches have their unique strengths and would be a great addition to any mechanical keyboard setup. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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