Gazzew Bobagum vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Red Panda are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for different typing preferences. The Bobagum switch stands out for its unparalleled tactility, providing a smooth and 'matte' feel unlike any other. With its bubblegum-colored appearance, these switches deliver a nearly silent sound profile, offering a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a light-medium amount of tactility and a bassier, raindrop-like sound when bottoming out. Its top-out sound is clackier and higher-pitched, creating a distinct auditory experience. Categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild', these switches provide a satisfying and slightly more pronounced typing feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch would best suit your individual preferences.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Outemu Red Panda differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Red Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Bobagum incorporates the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its top housing. This soft plastic blend contributes to the overall rich and deep sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Red Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon results in more sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on the Red Panda switches with nylon bottom housings would offer a different auditory experience compared to the Bobagum switches with their Gazzew blend bottom housings.

Although both switches feature distinct housing materials, the difference in their qualities can be attributed to the top and bottom housings, respectively. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the tactile feedback while pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Bobagum's Gazzew blend top housing and Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing may vary, they both deliver unique sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, both switches fall under the medium category. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter touch for the Red Panda switch, but the Bobagum switch requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Bobagum offering a more substantial feel due to its higher bottom out force. The weight of the switch is worth considering, as some users prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer a heavier switch for a more pronounced tactile response. In terms of weight, the Bobagum is slightly heavier with its higher bottom out force, making it a better choice for those seeking a stronger push feel. However, if weight is not a significant factor, both switches will provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Bobagum has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, opting for a switch with a shorter travel distance, such as the Red Panda, would be ideal. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper sensation when pressing down on a key may gravitate towards the Bobagum, as its longer travel distance provides a sense of hearty depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch provides a nearly silent experience while typing. This muted sound profile is achieved through its smoothness and unique 'matte' feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a distinct sound that can be described as thocky. This switch offers a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switch offers an unparalleled level of tactility. It has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light, providing a light typing feel. Additionally, the Bobagum switch's subtle resistance results in a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a mild typing experience. Its qualities fall into a safe middle-ground zone, making the sound and feel approachable to most users.

Considering all the available information, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out for its smoothness, unique tactility, and nearly silent sound profile. It provides a typing experience that is both gentle and light, making it suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a different experience with its thocky sound and mild typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. If a user prefers a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Bobagum switch would be a great option. On the other hand, if someone enjoys a more distinct sound and a mild typing feel, the Red Panda switch would be a suitable choice. While the switches differ in their subjective qualities, users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and overall performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you prioritize smoothness and a unique tactile experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and provide a smooth and almost "matte" feel. Typing on them is nearly silent, making them ideal for quiet environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter amount of tactility and enjoy a bassier bottom-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is a great choice. With a bottom-out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a light-medium amount of tactility and produce a satisfying thocky sound. They provide a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more