Gazzew Bobagum vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, there are a few key differences to consider. The Bobagum is praised for its smoothness and unique matte feel, offering a tactile experience unlike any other. With a nearly silent sound profile, typing on these bubblegum-colored switches is a quiet and satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch doesn't have any standout characteristics mentioned, leaving its performance up for interpretation. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle,' the Silent Ocean lacks any specific categorization. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific qualities you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. 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
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 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
In terms of the housing materials used in the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches, there are some notable differences to consider. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for its softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both materials aim to enhance the overall sound experience of the switch, they do so in distinct ways.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, the Gazzew Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing is praised for its contribution to a rich and deep sound profile – similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The contrast between the softer nylon material and the softer Gazzew blend used in the Bobagum highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound characteristics of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silent Ocean plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Bobagum's blend of materials creates a rich and deep sound, the Silent Ocean's use of polycarbonate and nylon offers a sharper and fuller sound profile respectively. Understanding the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the sound and feel of a switch can help enthusiasts make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound characteristics. Ultimately, whether it's the softness of a proprietary blend or the absorption qualities of nylon, each housing material brings its unique contribution to the overall typing experience.
Weight
Both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches have similar actuation forces, with the Bobagum requiring 46 grams and the Silent Ocean needing 45 grams. This means that users can expect a fairly light touch when typing on either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bobagum is lighter at 62 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 65 grams, making the Bobagum slightly easier to fully press down. This difference in bottom out force may provide a slightly different typing experience for users who prefer a lighter or heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. Typically, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Bobagum being slightly shorter than the average 4.0 mm distance. In terms of key feel, those who prefer a more responsive key press may lean towards the Bobagum, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Silent Ocean 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 is known for its muted profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's sound characteristics are not well-known. Both switches are likely to offer a quieter typing experience, which can be further affected by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Bobagum switch is renowned for its unique tactile experience, offering a smooth feel that is often compared to a matte texture. This switch provides a subtle typing resistance, making it suitable for users who prefer a light and gentle keypress. The Outemu Silent Ocean switch's feel is currently undisclosed. Despite this, both switches are expected to offer a comfortable and smooth typing experience, with the Bobagum switch possibly giving a slightly more distinctive tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out for its smoothness and almost silent sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience. The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, while lacking specific details in sound and feel, is likely to offer a similar level of smoothness and potentially quieter typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, almost 'matte' feel with a nearly silent sound profile, then the Bobagum switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a quiet typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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