Gazzew Bobagum vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Durock Piano. Both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback. The Bobagum switches are best known for their unique and unparalleled tactility, providing a smooth glide that feels almost matte-like. In contrast, the Piano switches from Durock boast a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Bobagum offers a nearly silent sound profile, the Piano switches are known for their bassy and silky typing experience. However, beyond these generalities, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Durock Piano switches have different proprietary housing materials. The Bobagum utilizes a Gazzew blend plastic, often known as "boba plastic," which produces a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Piano switch incorporates a POM blend top housing, delivering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact details of these blends remain unknown, both switches aim to provide an exceptional auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bobagum and the Piano switches use proprietary plastic blends that contribute to the overall sound profile. The Bobagum's bottom housing, made of their Gazzew blend plastic, adds to the rich and deep sound produced by the switch due to its softness. Similarly, the Piano's bottom housing, formulated with a POM blend, enhances the switch's sound profile, offering a uniquely satisfying auditory experience. Despite the different materials, both switches prioritize delivering a pleasant sound upon bottoming out.
Although the top and bottom housings of these switches differ, they both play a significant role in the overall feel and sound. Pressing down on the switch will provide the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether it's the Bobagum's Gazzew blend or the Piano's POM blend, the bottom housing contributes to the tactile experience when typing or gaming. Conversely, the top housing, regardless of the material used, primarily impacts the sound produced when releasing a key. Both switches aim to provide a well-rounded auditory experience, albeit through different proprietary blends for their top and bottom housings.
In summary, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Durock Piano switches utilize distinct proprietary housing materials. The Bobagum employs a Gazzew blend plastic, often referred to as "boba plastic," providing a softness that generates a rich and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Piano switch incorporates a POM blend top housing, resulting in a uniquely satisfying and deep auditory experience. Although the bottom and top housings have separate impacts on sound and feel, both switches strive to excel in delivering a pleasant and high-quality typing or gaming experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the differences become evident. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams, providing a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke, while the Piano's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force that falls within the medium range. The Bobagum requires 62 grams of force to fully press down, whereas the Piano demands a slightly heavier 63.5 grams. For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Bobagum may be the ideal choice as it allows for extended use without strain. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel for enhanced typing feedback may lean towards the Piano, which offers a slightly heavier force. Ultimately, while the actuation forces differ to some extent, both switches cater to individuals looking for a medium bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, the Bobagum offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it the preferred choice for those seeking maximum responsiveness. On the other hand, the Piano switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is best known for its nearly silent sound profile. These switches have a muted sound, which means they produce a softer and quieter noise compared to regular or clacky switches. This minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a deep, creamy sound signature. These switches have a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch provides a unique tactile experience. These switches redefine smoothness with an almost 'matte' feel that is unlike the polished glide of ice-skating or the texture of unlubed switches. They offer a gentle resistance, giving a subtle typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of these switches is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as frictionless and silky. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The overall smoothness of the typing feel is enhanced, and there is minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum and Durock Piano linear switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switches provide a nearly silent sound profile and a subtle typing feel with their unique smoothness. On the other hand, the Piano switches offer a deep, creamy sound signature and a frictionless, silky typing experience. Depending on the individual's preferences, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience. It's important to consider the other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, as they can also impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-bottom out force and an unparalleled tactility, the Gazzew Bobagum switches are the way to go. These switches redefine smoothness with their unique 'matte' feel and offer a nearly silent sound profile, making them perfect for quiet environments. On the other hand, if you prioritize a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano switches are the ideal choice. These switches are known for their proprietary material blend, which enhances their overall feel and sound. Ultimately, whether you prefer a more muted sound or a bassy sound, both switches offer their own distinct profiles. Additionally, if you value a subtle resistance and a typing feel suitable for shared spaces, the Bobagum switches are a great match. However, if you prioritize a frictionless and silky smooth typing experience, the Piano switches excel in providing an effortless feel with minimal resistance. Overall, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Durock Piano switches have their unique characteristics, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences and typing style.
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