Gazzew Bobagum vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bobagum, known for its exceptionally smooth feel, offers a unique 'matte' tactile sensation that strikes a balance between unlubed roughness and ultra-smooth gliding, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize a quiet and fluid typing experience. Additionally, its muted sound profile ensures discreet operation, perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade brings a tactile experience to the forefront, featuring a pronounced 'thocky' sound and a satisfying tactile bump that many typists appreciate. With its factory-lubed design and translucent housing, it caters to those who enjoy feedback while still valuing a quieter environment. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles; 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
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches exhibit both similarities and differences that contribute to their distinct sound profiles and overall typing experiences. Both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Silent Yellow Jade utilize softer plastics in their construction, which is critical for producing a richer and deeper sound profile. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," offers a unique softness that enhances its auditory characteristics. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade employs nylon, a classic choice known for its sound-absorbing properties. This softness results in a sound that is comparatively duller and rounder, drawing parallels between the two when it comes to their intended auditory outcomes.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gazzew Bobagum again uses its proprietary blend, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing in terms of sound richness and depth. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade maintains these qualities but introduces a classic feel that is synonymous with traditional switch materials. Both switches are designed to create a full sound profile, with the bottom housing being essential for contributing to the bottom-out sound and tactile feel during key presses. This means that while the materials differ, the ultimate experience of typing on each switch retains depth and resonance due to the shared properties of softness and sound absorption present in both switch designs.
In summary, even though the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are composed of different materials—boba plastic versus nylon—they achieve similar acoustic results rooted in their softer compositions. The impact of the materials varies between the top and bottom housing, still allowing for a cohesive sound experience. Ultimately, both switches leverage their respective properties to provide a satisfying and rich auditory feedback, making them attractive options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a smooth and pleasant typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has an actuation force that is not specified, but its bottom out force is measured at 55 grams, which categorizes it as medium-light in terms of resistance. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the Bobagum is likely lighter compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions without as much effort. In contrast, the heavier Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and resistance while typing. Ultimately, if users prioritize a lighter switch for comfort, the Gazzew Bobagum is the preferable choice, while those seeking a stronger push feel would likely appreciate the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there is a notable difference in their specifications. The Bobagum features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Bobagum provides a greater depth, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade could be more suitable for gamers seeking quicker responses in their typing and gaming. Ultimately, while both switches offer modern travel distances, the Bobagum is the longer option, providing a more pronounced key press experience compared to the more responsive Silent Yellow Jade.
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 Yellow Jade 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 considering the sound profile of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, you can expect a nearly silent typing experience. This muted characteristic means that these switches produce a softer, quieter sound, effectively minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switches offer a satisfying “thocky” sound, providing auditory feedback that is both rich and subtle while maintaining a quiet typing environment. However, due to the inherent difference in switch types, the sound may differ significantly between the two; while the Bobagum leans towards silence, the Yellow Jade strikes a balance between quietness and audible resonance, requiring suitable keyboards and keycaps to emphasize their respective sound qualities.
In terms of tactile feel, the Gazzew Bobagum is recognized for its unique 'matte' sensation, producing an almost silky typing experience. This switch boasts a subtle resistance that is distinct yet gentle, making it a great choice for those who prefer a light typing feel without the clackiness of traditional switches. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a defined tactile bump that provides a more pronounced feedback during each keystroke. While the Bobagum’s feel is more understated, the Yellow Jade offers a punchier tactile sensation, catering to users who enjoy a noticeable tactile response coupled with a smoother, factory-lubed operation.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch present unique auditory and tactile experiences suited for different preferences. The Bobagum excels in providing an extremely quiet and smooth typing experience, ideal for shared spaces or those seeking an understated touch. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more tactile experience with a satisfying acoustic profile, catering to those who appreciate a rich feedback without excessive noise. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, both switches have their merits, ensuring you can achieve a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth and muted experience that feels light under your fingers, the Bobagum is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams makes it suitable for long typing sessions, especially in quiet settings like offices or shared spaces where you want to minimize noise. On the other hand, if you enjoy the satisfying feedback of a tactile bump and a slightly heavier key feel, then the Silent Yellow Jade is the way to go. With a 65-gram bottom-out force, it offers a robust typing experience complemented by its quiet "thocky" sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the louder clack of traditional switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the sound environment you're in; choose the Bobagum for light, smooth, and silent keystrokes or the Silent Yellow Jade for a more tactile, yet still quiet experience.
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