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Gazzew Bobagum vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

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

Overview

When delving into the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their smooth, nearly 'matte' tactile sensation and a hush that makes them ideal for quiet environments or late-night typing sessions. Their understated presence, characterized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle,' means they can seamlessly blend into any setting without drawing attention. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switches provide a gratifying balance of smooth operation and a deeper sound profile, reminiscent of satisfying clicks that enthuse typists with every keystroke. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds a layer of versatility that can appeal to tech enthusiasts eager to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on whether you prioritize a serene typing experience or a more dynamic auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

38g

Bottom-out force

55g

Bottom-out force

48g

Pre-travel

N/A

Pre-travel

N/A

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.50 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

Custom stainless steel

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, significant distinctions arise in their sound profiles and aesthetic characteristics. The Bobagum employs a proprietary blend of plastics, often referred to as "boba plastic," which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Rice Pudding utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials indicates that while both switches aim for an engaging auditory experience, they cater to contrasting preferences: the Bobagum seeks to deliver warmth and depth, while the Rice Pudding focuses on clarity and brightness.

Looking at the bottom housing materials reveals another layer of contrast between these two switches. The Gazzew Bobagum also features a bottom housing made of its proprietary "boba plastic," maintaining that rich sound profile. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding opts for nylon, a traditional choice that produces a deeper, fuller sound. The softer texture of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate, translating to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Bobagum retains consistency in its sound signature with both housings working harmoniously, the Rice Pudding's nylon bottom housing adds complexity by blending its characteristics with the top housing's clearer notes.

Ultimately, the interplay of the top and bottom housings results in diverse auditory experiences when pressing the switches. The Bobagum’s dual "boba plastic" configuration ensures that both the bottom-out and release sounds contribute to a rich and cohesive experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding’s blend of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a more defined separation, with the top housing enhancing crispness while the bottom absorbs and rounds out the sound. Therefore, should one desire similar auditory experiences across both switches, careful attention to the housing configuration would be necessary, as the blend of materials directly influences the feel and sound outcome during typing.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This indicates that the Rice Pudding switch requires less force to initiate a keystroke, making it a better option for users who prefer a lighter feel, especially during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Bobagum’s higher bottom out force suggests a more substantial push, likely appealing to those who like a heavier typing experience. Overall, the Rice Pudding switch is the lighter choice, while the Bobagum offers a heavier tactile feedback during use.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Bobagum offers a marginally deeper key press compared to the Rice Pudding. For users who favor responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Rice Pudding may appeal more, as it can facilitate quicker actuation—ideal for competitive gaming. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial feel might prefer the Bobagum due to its deeper travel, providing a sensation of a fuller key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two would hinge on individual preferences for key depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.

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 stands out with a notably muted sound profile, allowing for a quieter typing experience. This is particularly advantageous in environments where noise reduction is a priority. The sound produced by the Bobagum is soft and subdued, which can be appealing for those who prefer to keep noise at a minimum during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch's sound characteristics remain undetermined, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, inherent switch design and housing materials often contribute to sound output, so users should consider experimenting with different setups to find their ideal auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum offers a remarkable typing experience, characterized by its smooth and subtle resistance. It balances lightness with a tactile response that avoids being overly “feathery,” granting typists precise control without losing comfort. The muted sound signature of the Bobagum further complements its feel, ensuring that typing remains smooth and effortless without distracting resonances. On the other hand, the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is also unknown at this time, leaving potential users to discover its tactile qualities through firsthand experimentation.

In summary, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Everglide Rice Pudding switches present unique qualities catering to different preferences. The Bobagum excels in offering a nearly silent, muted sound profile and a beautifully smooth feel, making it ideal for those prioritizing quiet operation and finger comfort. The Rice Pudding, while less defined in terms of sound and feel, is geared toward versatility and performance due to its compatibility with innovative keyboards. Ultimately, both switches promise engaging typing experiences, but users should be prepared to explore the various interactions with their specific keyboards and keycaps to fully appreciate what each switch has to offer.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your preferences and usage scenarios will guide your decision. If you favor a medium-light feel and are looking for a smoother typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Bobagum is an excellent choice, particularly if you work in quieter environments or share your space with others. The subtle resistance and unique matte texture of the Bobagum switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation that can enhance your productivity over long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter actuation and enjoy a more satisfying auditory feedback, the Rice Pudding switch would be a superb option. It's perfect for those seeking a blend of smooth operation and a deeper sound, making it well-suited for gaming and general use, especially if you're interested in the added functionality of compatibility with Wooting keyboards. Both switches have their strengths, and by identifying your priorities—be it typing feel, sound preferences, or potential usage with specific keyboard models—you can make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.

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