Gazzew Bobagum vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko Penguin stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Bobagum offers a unique smoothness with a matte-like feel, providing unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a tactile yet quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is praised for its rounded tactile bump, satisfying feedback, and moderate weight, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort, perfect for long typing sessions in noise-sensitive environments. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
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 Akko Penguin both aim to deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to their softness. The Bobagum utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend plastic for both the top and bottom housing, while the Penguin uses nylon for both components. Both materials are softer plastics that absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that is deep and full. This similarity in material choice means that users can expect a similar sound experience from both switches.
However, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend plastic is specifically designed for this switch, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic," which may give it a slight edge in sound quality and performance. The nylon used in the Akko Penguin, while a classic switch housing material, may not be as optimized for delivering the best sound profile for this particular switch. This could potentially result in a slightly different sound experience between the two switches, with the Bobagum having a more refined and tailored sound profile compared to the Penguin.
Overall, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko Penguin offer a deep and full sound profile due to their housing materials. The choice between the proprietary Gazzew blend plastic in the Bobagum and the classic nylon in the Penguin may come down to personal preference and specific sound requirements. While both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying typing experience with a rich sound profile, the Bobagum may offer a slightly more optimized and tailored sound experience compared to the Penguin.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both fall into the medium range when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. When it comes to the bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams, while the Penguin needs 60 grams. Both switches provide a similar typing experience due to their comparable forces. However, the Bobagum may feel slightly heavier to some users, while the Penguin might feel a bit lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the Bobagum has a slightly longer travel distance than the Penguin. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth during keypresses, the Bobagum may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more abrupt and responsive feeling when typing or gaming, the Penguin with its shorter travel distance could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance and are suitable for those looking for a faster typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
The Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Akko Penguin switches are described as muted, offering a softer and quieter sound profile compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. This makes them both suitable choices for environments where noise minimization is important, such as office settings. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard itself and the keycaps used, so keep that in mind when making your selection.
Moving on to feel, the Bobagum switch is known for its almost matte feel, providing a unique tactile experience that is smooth and polished, with a gentle resistance that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, and feathery, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Both switches promise a satisfying typing experience without causing discomfort or strain, making them suitable for extended use.
In conclusion, while the Gazzew Bobagum and Akko Penguin switches have their own distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they ultimately offer similar benefits when it comes to minimizing noise and providing a comfortable typing experience. Whether you prefer the unique tactility of the Bobagum or the smoothness of the Penguin, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and make prolonged use enjoyable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth and almost 'matte' feel with unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a rounded tactile bump with satisfying feedback, along with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use for prolonged typing sessions in a quiet office environment, the Akko Penguin switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. In the end, both switches offer unique features that cater to different needs and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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