Gazzew Bobagum vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum is lauded for its smoothness and tactile feel, providing a quiet typing experience with a distinct matte finish. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out with its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, resulting in a lively and crisp keystroke. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the V3 Piano Pro boasts categories such as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer a rich and deep sound profile due to their softness. The Gazzew Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic," to deliver this sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials offer similar sound profiles, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend may provide a slightly softer and rounder sound compared to the V3 Piano Pro's nylon material.
However, despite both switches offering a rich and deep sound profile, there are some differences between the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Piano Pro. The Gazzew Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing may have a slightly different impact on sound when compared to the Nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro. Similarly, the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the Bobagum may also offer a unique sound profile compared to the Nylon bottom housing of the V3 Piano Pro. These differences in housing materials can result in subtle variations in the typing experience and overall sound quality of the switches.
In conclusion, while the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Piano Pro share similarities in offering a rich and deep sound profile, the choice of housing materials can lead to slight differences in sound quality and typing experience. The Gazzew Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing may provide a softer and rounder sound profile, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their unique housing materials, providing users with a customized sound profile based on their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch show some similarities and differences. The Bobagum has a slightly higher actuation force at 46 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 45 grams, making the Bobagum slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams while the V3 Piano Pro only needs 55 grams, making the V3 Piano Pro the lighter of the two. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro for longer typing sessions, while individuals seeking a more tactile typing experience may prefer the Bobagum for its slightly heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but those looking for a slightly crisper feel may prefer the Bobagum with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect to experience similar results from both options in terms of key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro 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, the Gazzew Bobagum switch offers a muted experience, with a softer and quieter sound profile that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound, providing a sharp and snappy quality with a higher-pitched tone for an immersive auditory experience. Depending on personal preferences and the setup of your keyboard, you can choose between the more subdued sound of the Bobagum or the lively and crisp sound of the V3 Piano Pro.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch provides a subtle tactile experience, with gentle resistance that still maintains a light typing feel. This switch also offers a texture that is not overly polished, providing a unique tactility that is unlike any other. On the contrary, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, with a spring-like feedback sensation and buttery smoothness for effortless typing. This switch also boasts a polished and silky finish, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. Whether you prefer a subtle and gentle typing feel with the Bobagum or a bouncy and creamy sensation with the V3 Piano Pro, both switches offer distinct qualities for a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch with the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it's clear that they each have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum provides a nearly silent typing experience with a subtle tactile feel, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a lively and crisp sound with a bouncy and creamy typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the setup of your keyboard, you can achieve different typing experiences with either switch. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance your typing performance and enjoyment, providing smooth and satisfying keystrokes that cater to individual preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more tactile typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Bobagum switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a snappy, clacky sound profile with a resonant quality, and a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your specific typing style and desired typing experience, so choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences to enhance your overall typing comfort and satisfaction.
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