Gazzew Bobagum vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew Bobagum and Haimu Orange Sea each present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Bobagum switches stand out for their exceptional smoothness, offering a distinctive 'matte' feel that strikes a balance between gliding effortlessly and having a touch of texture, making them ideal for users seeking a subtle typing experience. Additionally, their nearly silent sound profile adds to the allure for those who prefer a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are renowned for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, appealing to users who value consistency and reliability in their keystrokes without the distraction of unwanted noise. Both switches offer compelling benefits; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$6.50 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Haimu Orange Sea exhibit distinct properties in their housing materials that contribute to their unique acoustic profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary blend referred to as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings, which enhances the switch's sound quality by delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to the softness of the material. In contrast, the Orange Sea employs polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. The polycarbonate top contributes to a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness, resulting in a brighter auditory experience. The different materials used for the top and bottom housings in the Orange Sea switch create a contrast that alters the character of the sound produced—emphasizing clarity from the top and depth from the bottom.

While the Bobagum’s neutral sound profile benefits from the softness of its boba plastic in both housings, the Orange Sea offers a more complex sound experience by virtue of its different materials. Polycarbonate’s ability to produce a penetrating, resonant sound blends with nylon's capacity to absorb and mellow sound, creating a distinct sound signature. Consequently, when comparing the two, it becomes clear that the Bobagum's uniform material contributes to a more cohesive sound experience, while the Orange Sea’s combination of materials provides a wider range of auditory characteristics. This divergence allows users to select a switch based on preferred sound clarity or depth, depending on their typing style or aesthetic preferences.

In terms of performance and impression, the way the materials interact during use is critical in delivering different tactile and auditory experiences. The Gazzew Bobagum's consistent use of a single material potentially allows for a smoother transition between pressing and releasing keys, given the similar soft properties throughout. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea’s varied material composition means that the user experiences two distinct sensations—one from pressing the key, influenced by the nylon bottom housing, and another from the release, impacted by the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, while both switches can yield a satisfying experience for typists and gamers alike, the experience of switching between the two highlights different listener preferences and use cases informed by the characteristics of their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics. The Bobagum features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is light. This means that the Orange Sea requires less force to both actuate and bottom out compared to the Bobagum. As a result, for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the more suitable choice. Conversely, those who appreciate a stronger push feel and slightly heavier actuation may find the Bobagum appealing, assuming they prefer its bottom out characteristic. Overall, the Orange Sea is the lighter option, while the Bobagum presents a heavier experience with its higher bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they have identical travel distances when pressed from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when using either switch, as the travel distance directly influences the typing experience. Since both switches are equal in this aspect, users can choose either switch without concerns about differences in travel distance affecting performance or feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a notably muted experience, designed to produce a softer and quieter sound compared to typical mechanical switches. This minimizes the noise that is often associated with typing on mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for environments where discretion is valued. The Haimu Orange Sea switch, however, does not have a specified sound profile; thus, its sound characteristics remain unknown. It’s important to note that the total sound output of any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard’s construction and the keycap material chosen.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch shines with its extraordinarily smooth typing experience. The subtle resistance of this switch creates a gentle yet satisfying feedback with each keystroke, allowing for a light typing feel that’s perfect for extended sessions. Additionally, the non-resonant sound profile means that it won't carry in shared spaces, making it a terrific option for office or collaborative environments. The Haimu Orange Sea switch, on the other hand, is similarly noted for its impeccable smoothness, though additional details regarding its tactile characteristics are unknown.

In summary, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches excel in delivering smooth typing experiences, making them excellent choices for typing enthusiasts. While the Bobagum distinctly offers a muted sound profile and a subtly thoughtful feel—suitable for quieter settings—the exact sound and tactile details of the Orange Sea remain to be explored. Whether you choose the Bobagum for its quietness and refined touch or opt for the Orange Sea for its equally smooth nature, both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience, highlighting the versatility available among linear switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force and are looking for a smooth typing experience with a near-silent sound profile, the Bobagum switch is an excellent choice. Its unique 'matte' feel offers a distinct and pleasant typing experience, making it well-suited for quieter settings or shared workspaces where noise minimization is a priority. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams and seek that impeccable smoothness without the need for additional sound dampening, the Orange Sea switch may be more appealing. Its neutral sound signature makes it versatile for a variety of scenarios, especially if you enjoy a quick and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value the subtler feedback and muted sound of the Bobagum or the lighter actuation and smooth feel of the Orange Sea—both are fantastic options that cater to different typing experiences.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more