Gazzew Bobagum vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Purple offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Bobagum is a linear switch that stands out for its incredibly smooth feel, likened to a 'matte' texture that provides a unique tactile experience. With a pleasing bubblegum color, these switches offer a nearly silent sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that may not boast the same level of smoothness as the Bobagum, but provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke, giving users a tactile feedback that some may find more satisfying. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the Purple does not have any specific categorization listed. Each switch has its own advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Purple, one key difference is in the material used for the top housing. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend plastic which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, while the Purple features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in materials results in a noticeable difference in the sound produced by each switch, with the Bobagum offering a softer and more muted tone compared to the clear and resonant sound of the Purple.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Bobagum once again uses its proprietary Gazzew blend plastic to deliver a rich and deep sound profile, while the Purple employs a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Bobagum's softer and deeper tones. This difference in bottom housing material contributes to the overall sound profile of each switch, with the Bobagum offering a more soft and mellow typing experience compared to the Purple's deeper and fuller sound.
Overall, while the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Purple both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials, they also share some similarities. Both switches prioritize delivering a rich and deep sound experience, with the Bobagum's Gazzew blend plastic and the Purple's nylon bottom housing both contributing to this aspect. While the top housing materials differ between the switches, ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, thanks to the careful selection of materials that enhance the overall sound profile.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bobagum requires a force of 62 grams while the Purple's bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the Bobagum provides a smoother typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Purple may offer a more substantial typing feel due to its higher actuation force. Both switches have their advantages and it ultimately depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Purple tactile switch's 4 mm travel distance. This means that the Bobagum will offer a slightly quicker response time compared to the Purple switch. Gamers who prioritize speed may lean towards the Bobagum for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced key press and deeper feeling may prefer the Outemu Purple due to its longer travel distance. However, both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, so overall, users can expect similar results in terms of key travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Purple 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, the Bobagum offers a nearly silent experience with its muted sound profile. This can be attributed to the switch's unique design, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Purple switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bobagum is praised for its subtle tactile feedback and smoothness, providing a unique typing experience that is not too harsh or rough. This gentle resistance allows for a lighter typing feel while also reducing the resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the feel of the Purple switch is unknown, so it is unclear how it would compare to the Bobagum in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a nearly silent typing experience with a smooth and subtle tactile feedback, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are considering the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is important to note the unknown sound and feel qualities, which may require further research or testing to determine its compatibility with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different users, so it is recommended to try them out firsthand to see which one suits your needs best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize smoothness and a soft, quiet typing experience, the Bobagum may be the right choice for you. The Bobagum's unique matte feel and nearly silent sound profile make it a standout option for those who value tactile feedback without the loud clicky noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with varying levels of tactility and a customizable typing experience, the Purple may be more up your alley. With a bottom out force that is not specified, the Purple offers a tactile typing experience without the distraction of a loud click. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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