Gazzew Bobagum vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the vast world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and Outemu Crystal Brown stand out for their unique qualities. The Bobagum is a linear switch that boasts a smoothness unlike any other, with a tactile feel that is both satisfying and nearly silent when typing. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience, but lacks any specific standout features. While the Bobagum is best known for its unparalleled smoothness and subtle sound profile, the Crystal Brown remains a more traditional choice. 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
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
Partial box
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 Crystal Brown switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing materials are known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile thanks to the softness of the plastic blend. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, with polycarbonate providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound. The contrast between the softness of the Gazzew blend and the stiffness of polycarbonate leads to different sound experiences for users of each switch.
Aesthetically, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch allows for enhanced translucency, making it ideal for users who want to showcase RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the opaque nature of the Gazzew Bobagum's proprietary plastic blend top and bottom housing materials may not lend themselves as well to RGB lighting setups. However, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Gazzew Bobagum provides a rich and deep sound due to its soft housing material, the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a crisper and sharper sound profile thanks to its stiffer polycarbonate housing.
Overall, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches ultimately comes down to user preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic preferences. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend housing material provides a softer and more resonant sound experience, while the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offer a sharper and deeper sound profile. Whether users prioritize sound quality, RGB lighting compatibility, or specific tactile feedback, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams while the Crystal Brown only needs 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, with the Bobagum being on the heavier side and the Crystal Brown on the lighter side. The Bobagum provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher bottom out force, which some may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown offers a lighter bottom out force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal Brown. The Bobagum's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer benefits depending on individual preferences, but if you are seeking a shorter travel distance for speed and responsiveness, the Bobagum would be the preferable choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Crystal Brown 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 offers a muted typing experience, perfect for those looking to minimize noise without sacrificing the satisfying mechanical feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch provides a subtle tactile feedback that is gentle yet still noticeable, ideal for those who prefer a more delicate typing experience. Unfortunately, the feeling of the Crystal Brown switch remains unknown. Overall, if you enjoy a quieter typing experience with a unique tactile feel, the Bobagum switch may be the perfect choice for you. However, if you prefer tactile switches and are willing to explore the unknowns, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch could offer similar rewarding results. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and value a smooth and nearly silent typing experience with a unique tactility, then the Bobagum switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and prioritize a switch that offers a tactile bump for added feedback while typing, then the Crystal Brown switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for key feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Happy typing!
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