Gazzew Bobagum vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch presents a unique dilemma. The Bobagum switches boast a smoothness like no other, offering a matte feel that provides unparalleled tactility while maintaining a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switches introduce a snappy response with a decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of pronounced tactility without being overpowering. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the Purple Sakura falls under 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. Each switch brings its own set of unique characteristics to the table, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Bobagum featuring a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known for its softness and rich sound profile, while the Purple Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The Gazzew blend top housing delivers a deep and mellow sound, contrasted with the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura. The nylon bottom housing of the Purple Sakura elicits a fuller sound profile compared to the Gazzew blend bottom housing, known for its richness and depth.
One similarity between the two switches is that both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura utilize unique materials for their top and bottom housings to achieve specific sound profiles. The Gazzew blend top housing and nylon bottom housing of the Bobagum provide a balance of softness and depth in sound, while the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing of the Purple Sakura offer a combination of crispness and fullness in sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to optimize sound quality through their choice of housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Gazzew Bobagum and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. The softness of the Gazzew blend top and bottom housing creates a rich and deep sound experience, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing and softer nylon bottom housing of the Purple Sakura produce a sharper and fuller sound profile. Whether it be for a mellow typing experience or a crisper one, the housing materials of a switch greatly impact the overall typing feel and sound quality, making it a crucial consideration for enthusiasts looking to customize their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch both fall into the medium weight category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Bobagum is slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 60 grams. Both switches offer a balanced typing experience with a noticeable actuation force to trigger keystrokes, preventing accidental presses, and a comfortable bottom out force for a satisfying typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Bobagum, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might prefer the Purple Sakura. In terms of weight, the Bobagum is slightly lighter overall, making it a good choice for longer typing sessions and gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it longer than the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Bobagum may provide a slightly deeper key press due to its longer travel distance, while the Purple Sakura may feel slightly more abrupt with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the amount of travel distance desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a muted and almost silent typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter workstation. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments, making it a versatile choice for different typing preferences. In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle resistance with a unique tactility that is smooth and almost matte-like. In contrast, the Purple Sakura switch boasts a buttery and mild typing experience with a snappy response, providing a satisfying and comfortable typing sensation.
Overall, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Bobagum switch excels in providing a smooth and almost silent typing experience with unmatched tactility, the Purple Sakura switch offers a buttery and snappy feel that is satisfying and versatile. Whether you prefer a muted and subtle typing experience or a buttery and responsive feel, both switches are sure to provide a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the level of tactility you prefer. If you value a smooth and almost 'matte' tactile feel with a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and buttery downstroke with a mild and neutral sound signature, the Purple Sakura switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize unique smoothness and silence with the Bobagum switch, or a balanced tactility and responsiveness with the Purple Sakura switch. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and overall keyboard experience.
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