Gazzew Bobagum vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Black both fall under the category of linear switches, offering a different typing experience for users. The Bobagum is renowned for its smoothness and unique feel, providing a tactile sensation that stands out from others. Not only does it offer a silent sound profile, but it also has a distinct 'matte' texture, making it truly one of a kind. On the other hand, the Outemu Black does not have any specific standout features mentioned. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics to consider when choosing the right one for your needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Black switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their composition. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend top housing is softer, which results in a rich and deep sound profile, while the Black's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in materials leads to a distinct typing experience for users, with the Bobagum providing a softer and more muted sound compared to the Black's crisper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to its functionality.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend offers a rich and deep sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Black's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This difference in materials affects the typing experience in similar ways to the top housing, with the Bobagum providing a softer sound while the Black offers a deeper and rounder sound. The absorption of sound by the nylon material contributes to a more subdued typing experience compared to the Gazzew blend.
The impact of the housing material on the overall typing experience is significant, with the qualities of the bottom housing more noticeable during key presses and bottom-out sounds. The Gazzew blend in the Bobagum switch will result in a more muted and cushioned typing experience, while the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Black will provide a deeper and fuller sound. The top housing, on the other hand, plays a role in the sound produced when releasing a key, with the Gazzew blend offering a softer sound profile and the polycarbonate creating a crisper and sharper sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel or desire a more significant typing feedback may find the Outemu Black switch to be more suitable for their needs. Overall, the Bobagum switch offers a lighter typing experience, while the Outemu Black switch provides a heavier and more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, we can see that the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Black's 4 mm. This means that the Bobagum offers a slightly quicker keypress response due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who value speed and quick response times may prefer the Bobagum for this reason. On the other hand, the Outemu Black's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfactory keypress depth for some users who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10.
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 provides a muted typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to other switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a subtle typing experience with a gentle resistance that is not too heavy but still provides a satisfying tactile feedback. The lack of a resonant sound signature also makes it suitable for shared spaces where noise may be a concern. As for the Outemu Black linear switch, details on its specific feel are not available, so it's challenging to make a direct comparison. However, if the Bobagum switch is any indication, the Outemu Black linear switch may also provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out for its smooth and 'matte' feel, nearly silent sound profile, and unique tactility. While information on the Outemu Black linear switch is limited, it's safe to say that both switches are likely to provide a pleasant and satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and any additional features that one may prioritize in their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and do not have specific sound preferences, the Outemu Black linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and noise levels. Consider these factors carefully before making your choice to ensure the best typing experience for your needs.
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