Gazzew Bobagum vs. Outemu Blue Jade

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Gazzew Bobagum, a linear switch, is celebrated for its remarkable smoothness, providing an almost 'matte' feel that strikes a perfect balance between gliding ease and tactile texture. Users of the Bobagum can expect a nearly silent typing experience, making it ideal for those who value discretion in their workspace. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that, while lacking specific demerit traits, is often favored by typists who enjoy audible feedback and a pronounced tactile response, enhancing the satisfaction of each keystroke. With the Bobagum focusing on a muted and subtle touch and the Blue Jade emphasizing an engaging click, both switches cater to distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Blue Jade switches exhibit notable similarities and differences that directly influence their auditory performance and tactile experience. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary blend of plastics, humorously dubbed "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housings. This specially formulated material is designed for exceptional softness, which contributes to a lush sound profile. Conversely, the Blue Jade switch employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. As a classic choice among switch makers, nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, generating a deeper and more rounded auditory experience.

When highlighting the sound characteristics, both switches showcase the benefits of using softer plastic materials. In the Gazzew Bobagum's case, the proprietary Gazzew blend provides a rich auditory experience due to its softness, similar to the sound absorption properties of nylon in the Outemu Blue Jade. Both housings create a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, as they help to dampen the higher frequencies typically associated with harder plastics. Therefore, while the materials differ—one being a proprietary blend and the other nylon—the end result of achieving a deeper sound is quite comparable when taking into account their respective softness.

In terms of performance and user experience, the roles of the top and bottom housings are critical to the switches' functionality. The bottom housing has a significant influence on the overall bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound during key release. Hence, while the Gazzew Bobagum's boba plastic and the Blue Jade's nylon may have different chemical compositions, their softness leads to similar tactile sensations and auditory results when users interact with them. Ultimately, users can expect a comparable experience in terms of auditory depth and tactile comfort from both switches, making them appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a rich typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has an actuation force that is unspecified and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. In contrast, the Blue Jade features a defined actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This makes the Bobagum lighter overall, as it requires less effort to reach its bottom out point compared to the Blue Jade. Therefore, users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions might find the Bobagum more suitable, while those seeking a more substantial tactile feedback with a stronger feel during use may favor the Outemu Blue Jade.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, the Bobagum features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blue Jade has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Bobagum offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade, which aligns with the trend towards faster response times favored by gamers. The shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Bobagum may provide a more responsive feel, making it suitable for those who prefer quick actuation. In contrast, the Blue Jade’s 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper, more tactile experience that may appeal to users who enjoy a more traditional and substantial key press. Thus, depending on your preference for responsiveness versus depth, one may find either option more suitable for their typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out with its notably muted audio profile. This softness results in a quieter typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, which can be particularly advantageous in shared or quiet environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch lacks a defined sound profile, making it difficult to compare directly; however, it's essential to recognize that the sound quality of any switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build, keycap material, and even the typing surface, so results may vary.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum linear switch is acclaimed for its ultra-smooth operation, offering a unique tactile experience that is neither too slick nor rough. It features a gentle resistance that provides a light typing experience without being overly feathery, making it a good option for prolonged use in various environments due to its less resonant sound signature. In contrast, there are no specific feel descriptors available for the Blue Jade switch, leaving its tactile qualities largely unknown. Consequently, one cannot ascertain how it compares to the Bobagum in terms of the overall typing feel.

Combining these insights, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch delivers a refined experience characterized by muted sounds and smooth, comfortable key presses, making it ideal for those prioritizing a subtle, quiet typing environment. Meanwhile, the Outemu Blue Jade switch remains undefined in sound and feel, making it challenging to recommend without further information. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch that excels in both sound and feel, the Bobagum is a superior choice, while the lack of characteristics for the Blue Jade leaves its appeal uncertain.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you seek a smooth and nearly silent typing experience, the Bobagum is your go-to option. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue while providing a gentle resistance that feels comfortable under your fingers. This switch's muted sound profile ensures it won't disturb others around you, making it ideal for offices or shared spaces. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile and pronounced feedback in your typing, the Outemu Blue Jade with its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams might be more your style, as it offers a satisfying click with each keystroke. Though the Blue Jade switches don't have the same smooth feel as the Bobagums, they cater perfectly to typists who appreciate an audible and tactile response, which can enhance the typing experience for some. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a silent, smooth typing experience or a more tactile, clicky one that stands out in sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more