Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

Introducing the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Purple Click, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Bobagum switch is renowned for its impeccable smoothness, providing a distinct tactile feel that cannot be compared to anything else. Its almost 'matte' texture sets it apart, offering a unique typing experience that falls between the glide of ice-skating and the grainy texture of unlubed switches. Furthermore, the Bobagum switch boasts a nearly silent sound profile, ensuring a quiet and undisturbed typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, is characterized by its high-pitched and satisfying click. The keystrokes are light and effortless, yet the switch still provides a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. It strikes the perfect balance, offering a crunchy, invigorating feel with a resonant click sound. While these general pointers highlight the key aspects of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$6.50 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Purple Click switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. However, both materials offer benefits for those interested in RGB lighting, as they have translucent properties.

The variation continues with the bottom housing materials. The Gazzew Bobagum utilizes its proprietary blend to deliver a rich and deep sound due to its softness. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The nylon's softer nature contributes to a duller and rounder sound experience. Therefore, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel when the key is pressed down.

When considering how the different housing materials impact the overall sound, it becomes clear that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a stronger effect on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Gazzew Bobagum, with its soft proprietary blend in both top and bottom housing, would provide a consistent rich and deep sound throughout the entire keystroke. Meanwhile, the KTT Purple Click's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing would result in a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, complemented by a deeper and fuller sound during key press.

In summary, the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Purple Click switches offer distinctive sound profiles. The Gazzew Bobagum's proprietary blend delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness, whereas the KTT Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The bottom housings further contribute to the sound by absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder experience in the Bobagum's proprietary blend and a deeper and fuller sound in the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing. These differences showcase how the materials used in the top and bottom housing impact the overall sound and feel of the switches throughout the keystroke.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Bobagum switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams, while the Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Bobagum switch requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke compared to the Purple Click. In terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum switch has a weightier 62 grams, whereas the Purple Click has a lighter 55 grams.

Considering weight, it is worth noting that some individuals prefer lighter switches as it enables them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This is particularly advantageous for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some people prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy the feeling of a stronger push. For such individuals, switches with heavier forces are more suitable.

In terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, the Bobagum switch falls into the medium-weight category, while the Purple Click is categorized as medium-light. While they differ slightly in force, both switches fall within a similar range, which means they would provide comparable results when it comes to typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Bobagum offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Purple Click. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered the more traditional option, while 3.0mm is the shallower option. However, there is a growing trend towards shorter travel distances, particularly favored by gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Bobagum with its 3.6 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel, the Purple Click's longer 4 mm travel distance may be a better fit.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a unique experience with its nearly silent sound profile. The switch produces a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch delivers a satisfying high-pitched click. The keystrokes produce a crunchy sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves and a resonant sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch is best described as having a subtle and gentle resistance. It offers a light typing feel without being feather-like. Additionally, the switch's sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise may need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback. It has a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive feel. The switch's tactile feedback is more mild compared to hypertactile switches, as it has pre-travel and/or post-travel that can be felt.

Considering the subjective qualities of these switches, the Bobagum linear switch provides a smooth and almost matte feel that's truly one of a kind. It offers unmatched tactility, a nearly silent sound profile, and a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers a high-pitched satisfying click, invigorating feedback, and a crunchy sound profile that adds to the typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. If you enjoy a smooth and silent typing experience, the Bobagum would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a clicky and invigorating feedback, the Purple Click would be a great option. By considering these qualities, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel when selecting the switch that aligns with your preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and almost 'matte' feel, along with a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. These bubblegum-colored switches redefine smoothness and offer unparalleled tactility, while still maintaining a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a light keystroke with a pronounced tactility and a satisfying high-pitched click, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is your best bet. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches strike a perfect equilibrium between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. Furthermore, the Purple Click switch offers a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, along with a clean and sharp resonant sound. Lastly, if you're looking for a subtle switch with a gentle resistance and a light typing feel suitable for shared spaces, the Bobagum is the way to go. On the other hand, if you're seeking an invigorating switch with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel, the Purple Click is the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for smoothness, sound profile, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more