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Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Pine

An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

The Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Pine are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, offering a smooth typing experience. The Bobagum stands out for its unique tactility, providing a smoothness that is unlike any other switch. Its matte feel sets it apart from the polished glide of ice-skating or the texture of unlubed switches. Additionally, the Bobagum switches offer a nearly silent sound profile, ensuring a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switches from KTT are known for their medium-heavy weight, buttery smoothness, and effortless typing. These switches feature a factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction, resulting in a seamless key travel. They also have a distinctive low-pitched and bassy sound profile. While these general pointers give you an idea of what each switch has to offer, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

55g

Bottom-out force

58g

Pre-travel

N/A

Pre-travel

1.90 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

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring

Spring

15.5mm gold-plated spring

Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Pine differ in terms of their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic features. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing. This unique plastic blend, also known as "boba plastic," is soft and delivers a rich and deep sound profile. This softness contributes to a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the Pine features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is particularly useful for switches with clear housing, as it allows for better RGB lighting effects.

While the Bobagum and the Pine utilize different housing materials, they both offer distinct advantages. The Gazzew blend in the Bobagum provides a softer and deeper sound profile, ideal for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate housing offers a cleaner and more resonant sound, resulting in precise key presses. Both switch designs are versatile and suitable for various typing preferences.

When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the overall sound experience, the Bobagum and the Pine showcase the split characteristics between top and bottom housings. The qualities of the bottom housing, which are influenced by the Gazzew blend or polycarbonate, are more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. Conversely, the top housing, whether it be the Gazzew blend or polycarbonate, plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can affect different aspects of the switch's overall performance.

In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Pine offer different sound profiles and aesthetic features due to their respective housing materials. The Gazzew blend in the Bobagum provides a softer and deeper sound, while the polycarbonate used in the Pine results in a cleaner and more resonant sound. Both switches excel in different aspects, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and aesthetics. Furthermore, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound can help individuals fine-tune their typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches have medium actuation forces, with the Bobagum at 46 grams and the Pine at 45 grams. Similarly, both switches have medium bottom out forces, with the Bobagum at 62 grams and the Pine at 58 grams. Therefore, if weight is a consideration, both switches offer similar results as they fall within the same range.

However, there is a slight difference in force between the two switches. The Bobagum is slightly heavier, requiring a slightly stronger push feel with its 62-gram bottom out force. On the other hand, the Pine is slightly lighter, offering a lighter typing experience with its 58-gram bottom out force.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This could be ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the contrary, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the Bobagum switch with its slightly higher bottom out force may be the preferable choice.

Ultimately, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force is a subjective preference that depends on individual typing preferences. Therefore, it is essential to consider these weight factors when choosing a keyboard switch that suits one's typing style and needs.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have different travel distances. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bobagum.

In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, the trend nowadays is shifting towards shorter travel distances. Gamers, for instance, prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, then the Bobagum with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice.

On the other hand, some individuals prefer switches with a deeper and more substantial feel. For them, a longer travel distance provides that sense of depth and satisfaction. If you value a hearty and tactile experience when typing, then the Pine with its longer travel distance would be a better option.

Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference. Both switches have their own advantages and cater to different typing preferences. Whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more satisfying typing experience, you can achieve similar results with either the Bobagum or the Pine, depending on your individual needs and preferences.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.

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

The Bobagum switch has a nearly silent sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It is known for its muted sound, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. These switches have a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch provides a unique tactile experience. It is described as having an almost 'matte' feel, offering an unparalleled smoothness. While it is not as polished as ice-skating, it still provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The sound signature of the Bobagum switch is also subtle and not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Pine switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel. These switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The Pine switch achieves this smoothness through a polished, factory-lubed finish, which minimizes friction for a smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Bobagum and Pine switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Bobagum offers a unique smoothness with a matte feel, providing unparalleled tactility. It has a nearly silent sound profile, making it ideal for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch delivers a buttery and creamy typing sensation, characterized by effortless and fluid keystrokes. It offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding depth and richness to the typing experience. Both switches have their own merits, providing different options for newcomers seeking a specific typing feel and sound. Depending on the desired experience, one can choose between the nearly silent and gentle resistance of the Bobagum or the smooth and buttery feel of the Pine switch.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Bobagum at 62 grams and the Pine at 58 grams.

If you prioritize a unique tactile experience and a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches redefine smoothness with a matte-like feel and offer unparalleled tactility. The muted sound profile is perfect for minimizing noise in shared spaces.

On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience and enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile, the KTT Pine switches would be a great fit. With their factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction for smooth key travel. The bassy and low-pitched sound adds a touch of elegance to your typing experience.

Ultimately, it's important to consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a gentler resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, the subtle and creamy feel of the Bobagum switches would be ideal. However, if you prefer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, accompanied by a creamy sensation, the buttery and creamy feel of the Pine switches would suit you well.

In the end, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Pine switches offer their own unique qualities. Consider what matters most to you in a switch and choose accordingly. Happy typing!

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