Gazzew Bobagum vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Poro offer distinct experiences, both catering to different typing preferences. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their innovative design, providing a unique 'matte' smoothness that strikes a balance between a slippery glide and a more textured feel. This characteristic, coupled with their remarkably quiet sound profile, makes them ideal for users seeking a subdued typing experience without compromising tactile pleasure. On the other hand, HMX Poro switches deliver silky-smooth keystrokes thanks to their meticulous lubrication, allowing for effortless actuation. Their ultra-light actuation force adds to this ease, creating a poppy yet clacky sound profile that many gamers and typists might find appealing for a more expressive auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize a muted, plush feel with the Bobagums or the energetic, tactile engagement offered by the Poros. 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
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Poro switches exhibit notable similarities and differences, impacting their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Gazzew Bobagum employs a proprietary blend of plastics, aptly nicknamed "boba plastic," which is designed to amplify a rich and deep sound profile due to its inherent softness. Comparatively, the HMX Poro utilizes traditional nylon for both its top and bottom housing. While both materials are softer than their harder plastic counterparts, nylon is recognized for its classic qualities in switch design, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile as it effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a generally duller and rounder auditory experience.
Despite these differences in materials, the impact they have on sound characteristics may lead to comparable outcomes during typing. The Gazzew blend and nylon both have a softer nature, which crucially influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. For instance, when typing on the Bobagum, the proprietary Gazzew blend not only provides a unique tactile experience but also contributes to the overall auditory richness in conjunction with the bottom housing. Similarly, in the case of the Poro, the nylon housing ensures a deeper sound and tactile response that aligns with those experiences, albeit fashioned through a classic material choice. Because both switches focus on softer housing materials, users may find that both provide satisfying auditory and tactile feedback, promoting a premium typing experience.
In terms of mechanical design, the housing materials influence how sound is generated and perceived when pressing the keys. With the Gazzew Bobagum, the distinct properties of the top and bottom housings emphasize the interplay of soft materials, optimizing both the sound and feel sports during key releases and presses. Conversely, the HMX Poro, through its all-nylon housing, presents a more uniform experience where the qualities of the material directly shape the auditory outcome. Ultimately, while each switch may craft its nuances through different materials, the resulting typing experiences can exhibit remarkably similar satisfying characteristics due to the inherent softness and sound-absorbing properties of both Gazzew's proprietary blend and traditional nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 55 grams, which places it in the medium-light category. In contrast, the Poro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Poro switch will likely feel easier to type on for extended periods, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch or for long sessions at work or during gaming. Meanwhile, the Bobagum, while it has a heavier bottom out force, may appeal more to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, while the Poro is the lighter switch overall, the unknown actuation force of the Bobagum leaves some ambiguity regarding its overall typing feel compared to the Poro.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Bobagum the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel during gameplay. In contrast, the Poro, with its greater travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth, which some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. Both switches provide a more compact travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, catering to modern preferences for shorter travel distances without straying too close to the shallow end at 3.0 mm. Therefore, if you favor a snappier keystroke, the Bobagum would be the optimal choice, while the Poro suits those who enjoy a fuller key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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 linear switches are celebrated for their muted audio profile, producing a softer and quieter sound with each keystroke. This characteristic minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making them well-suited for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switches have a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, achieved through their ultra-light actuation force. This contrast positions the Bobagum switches as ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience, whereas the Poro switches may appeal to users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switches are renowned for their unique, almost matte texture that provides an unparalleled typing experience. Their subtle resistance strikes a balance that avoids feeling overly feather-light while still ensuring a light touch. This gentle resistance paired with a non-resonant sound signature makes them a suitable choice for shared spaces, allowing for a comfortable yet discreet typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Poro switches are meticulously lubricated to facilitate silky smooth keystrokes. While the exact feel of the Poro switches is not specified, their design suggests a focus on an effortless glide, likely resulting in an equally pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Poro linear switches cater to different user preferences through their sound and feel profiles. The Bobagums excel in providing a muted, soft sound and a subtly resistant typing experience, making them ideal for quieter settings. The Poros, with their poppy acoustics and smooth keystrokes, appeal to those who prefer a bit more auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound minimization or a more engaging audio experience while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Poro linear switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a smooth, matte feel that provides a more subtle tactile response, the Bobagum switch will likely suit you well. Its near-silent operation makes it ideal for shared workspaces or quiet environments where minimal noise is essential. Alternatively, if you enjoy a lighter keypress with that effortless glide and a poppy sound due to its ultra-light actuation force, the HMX Poro switch may be the better choice, especially if you like to indulge in a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. The Poro's characteristic sound profile adds an engaging layer to your typing experience, making it a refreshing option for those who value both performance and acoustics. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a quieter, subtler feel or a lively, expressive typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
