Gazzew Bobagum vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silver, both linear switches. The Bobagum is renowned for its unique smoothness, providing a tactile experience like no other with a matte feel and a nearly silent sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Silver switch does not offer any specific standout features but is known for its simplicity. If you are in search of a switch that offers unparalleled smoothness and a quiet typing experience, the Bobagum may be the way to go. 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
Standard
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 comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silver, it is clear that both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their top and bottom housing materials. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing materials deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to their softness, while the Silver features a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The Bobagum's softer plastic blend creates a more muted and rounder sound, whereas the Silver's polycarbonate material produces a more clear and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Outemu Silver contrasts with the Gazzew Bobagum's proprietary plastic blend, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder tone. This highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound of a switch. The Bobagum's soft bottom housing material absorbs more sound, resulting in a richer and more muted sound experience, while the Silver's nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their bottom housing materials, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Silver contribute to their distinct sound profiles, it is important to note that both switches are designed to deliver a unique typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials showcases how each component plays a role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether you prefer a softer, more muted sound profile like the Bobagum or a sharper, crisper sound like the Silver, both switches offer a tailored typing experience based on their housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Weight
Comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Bobagum is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 46 grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silver is heavier, needing 65 grams while the Bobagum only requires 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range for actuation force, but the Silver leans towards being medium-heavy for bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bobagum may be the better choice as it has a slightly lower actuation force. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Outemu Silver with its higher bottom out force may be preferred. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silver has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Bobagum's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silver's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer more depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance - whether you prefer a shorter and quicker press or a longer and more substantial press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Silver 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
Overall, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a unique and smooth typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a quieter option. The tactile feel of the Bobagum is described as subtle, providing a gentle resistance without being too light. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's subjective qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of sound and feel. However, if the Silver switch is similar to other linear switches on the market, it may offer a more standard mechanical keyboard experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, it really comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum and Outemu Silver linear switches, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force, a unique tactility that offers smoothness akin to ice-skating, and a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and are not particularly concerned about sound or additional descriptors, the Outemu Silver linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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