Gazzew Bobagum vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Everglide Oreo. The Bobagum switch is known for its smoothness, providing an almost 'matte' feel that's unique and unlike any other switch. Not only does it offer exceptional tactility, but it also boasts a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch provides a delightful tactile bump at the top of each keystroke, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This switch strikes a balance between satisfying feedback and comfortable typing. While typing on the Oreos, you can expect a subtle, mellow sound profile. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Everglide Oreo differ in terms of their housing materials. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Oreo utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Oreo's clear polycarbonate housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Overall, these differences in housing materials result in distinct sound profiles and visual effects between the two switches.
Despite their differences, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Everglide Oreo aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience. While the Bobagum's soft Gazzew blend top and bottom housing produce a rich and deep sound when activating and releasing keys, the Oreo's polycarbonate housing brings out a sharper and crisper sound. Though the sound profiles vary, both switches prioritize auditory feedback, offering a tactile experience that typists can appreciate. Additionally, both switches feature clear housing options for users who wish to enhance their keyboard aesthetics with RGB lighting. Therefore, although the Gazzew Bobagum and the Everglide Oreo have different housing materials, they both strive to provide a pleasing typing experience.
The separation of housing materials between the top and bottom housings of a switch significantly influences the overall feel and sound of a keystroke. With the bottom housing contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key, these switches allow for a diverse tactile experience. In the case of the Bobagum, the softness of the Gazzew blend bottom housing adds to the plush sensation when pressing down on a key, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Oreo creates a satisfying rebound when keys are released. By dividing the qualities between the housings, both switches strive to provide typists with a dynamic and varied typing experience that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, the Bobagum requires a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Oreo's 45 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium force switches when it comes to actuating a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bobagum requires a higher force of 62 grams while the Oreo requires a lighter force of 55 grams, making the Oreo a medium-light force switch.
Considering weight, some individuals may favor lighter switches, as it allows them to type for extended periods without causing fatigue. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, others prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, and for them, switches with heavier forces are more suitable.
Therefore, for those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be a suitable choice. It provides a medium actuation force of 46 grams and a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. On the other hand, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, with its slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, falling into the medium-light category. By selecting these switches based on their respective force requirements, users can achieve the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Oreo has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Bobagum being on the shorter side and the Oreo on the longer side. For gamers seeking faster response times, the Bobagum's shorter travel distance may be preferred. It offers a more responsive feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial press may opt for the Oreo's longer travel distance. Preferences may vary depending on personal preference and typing style. However, both switches provide a satisfactory travel distance, ensuring a comfortable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is best known for its nearly silent sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted nature of the Bobagum switch helps minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a subtle, mellow sound profile. While not completely silent, these switches have a unique acoustic signature described as "chirpy," adding a little squeak to their sound. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual results may vary. Overall, those seeking a quieter typing experience may lean towards the Bobagum switch, while those interested in a distinctive acoustic experience might opt for the Oreo switch.
Now let's dive into the feel of these switches. The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out with its unparalleled tactility. The switch delivers a smooth and matte-like feel, offering a unique tactility that is not quite like the polished glide of ice-skating nor the texture of unlubed switches. It provides a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the Bobagum switch's subtle tactile feedback ensures a typing experience that remains comfortable in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch falls into the category of accented switches. These switches offer a medium level of tactility, striking a balance between providing a satisfying keystroke without being overwhelming. They deliver a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo switch can be compared to a stepped switch, as it provides a mild feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, rather than a single large bump. This adds to the overall comfortable typing experience. Depending on personal preference, individuals may prefer the unique tactility of the Bobagum switch or the accented and stepped feel of the Oreo switch.
Based on the available information, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch offers a nearly silent sound profile, while the Oreo switch has a subtle, mellow sound with a chirpy character. Feel-wise, the Bobagum switch provides an unparalleled smooth and matte-like tactility with a gentle resistance, suitable for shared spaces. The Oreo switch, on the other hand, offers a medium level of tactility, characterized by a crisp and responsive bump at the top and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Both switches provide a unique typing experience that can appeal to different preferences. However, it is essential to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as these can influence the overall subjective qualities of the switches. Ultimately, whether opting for the Bobagum or the Oreo switch, users can expect similar results in terms of their respective qualities as described, albeit with their own distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize smoothness and a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With their unique matte feel, these bubblegum-colored switches offer unparalleled tactility and a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisp and responsive tactile bump with a comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and strike the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and cushioned sensation. While the Bobagum switch offers a muted sound profile, the Oreo switch has a chirpy sound that sets it apart. In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch is described as subtle and suitable for shared spaces, while the Oreo switch is described as accented and stepped, providing a prominent yet not overwhelming amount of tactility. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your preferences and priorities in terms of smoothness, sound, and feel.