Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Orange. The Bobagum switch offers a unique smoothness, with a texture that can be described as somewhere between polished ice-skating and unlubed switches. This tactile experience is accompanied by a nearly silent sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy type feel, thanks to its longer spring, and a slick, frictionless typing experience. With its low-pitched sound profile and excellent factory-lubing, the KTT Orange switch offers a refined and fluid key travel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Orange differ in terms of their housing materials, with the Bobagum featuring a proprietary Gazzew blend and the Orange utilizing polycarbonate. The Gazzew blend of the Bobagum is known for its softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Orange is relatively stiffer, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, the Orange's polycarbonate housing offers the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both housing materials have their unique advantages when it comes to enhancing the sound and feel of the switches they are used in.
While the top and bottom housings of the Bobagum and the Orange differ, they both have a significant impact on the overall sound profile of the switches. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the tactile response and the sensation of pressing down on a key. The softness of the Bobagum's Gazzew blend and the stiffness of the Orange's polycarbonate will each affect the bottom-out experience in their respective ways. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. The Gazzew blend of the Bobagum results in a deep and resonant sound when keys are let go, while the polycarbonate housing of the Orange provides a clearer and more distinct sound upon key release.
Although the Bobagum and the Orange showcase different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they share the common goal of delivering an enhanced typing experience. The Gazzew blend and polycarbonate materials may result in contrasting sound profiles, with the former emphasizing a softer and deeper tone, and the latter highlighting a sharper and crisper sound. However, both materials are carefully chosen to optimize the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer the rich sound profile of the Bobagum or the more pronounced sound characteristics of the Orange, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and immersive typing experience tailored to the user's preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are a few distinct differences. In terms of weight, the Bobagum is heavier, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Orange switch is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, ensuring a well-rounded performance. While the actuation force remains the same for both switches, the bottom out force differs, offering users the opportunity to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, they have a slight difference in their distances. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference may seem negligible, it can still be a factor to consider when choosing between the two. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Orange switch may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth. In that case, the Bobagum switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. This is ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience and want to minimize noise, especially in shared spaces. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound, so keep that in mind.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch provides a subtle typing experience. It has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light, but still maintains a light and comfortable feel while typing. Additionally, the switch's sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a bouncy feel. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and a rebound effect when pressed. Furthermore, this switch is designed to be frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The fluid travel of the switch enhances the overall feel.
Taking into account all the available information, it is evident that both the Gazzew Bobagum and KTT Orange linear switches offer unique subjective qualities. The Bobagum switch stands out for its unparalleled tactility, providing a smoothness that is often compared to a matte feel. Additionally, it offers a nearly silent sound profile, which is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch features a bouncy and frictionless feel, thanks to its long spring and factory-lubing. It also has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. While these switches have their distinct qualities, they both excel in providing smooth and comfortable typing experiences. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics, either switch can provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth, almost 'matte' feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be an excellent choice. These switches redefine smoothness and offer unparalleled tactility. Additionally, they provide a nearly silent sound profile, making them ideal for quiet environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a great option. These switches feature a long spring for a bouncy type feel and have excellent factory-lubing, ensuring a refined and smooth key travel. Moreover, they produce a low-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a unique tactility and silent sound profile or a bouncy, frictionless feel and low-pitched sound, both the Gazzew Bobagum and KTT Orange linear switches offer their own distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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