Gazzew Bobagum vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko Rosewood both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth feel, which strikes a balance between a polished glide and a textured experience, offering a muted and subtle sound profile that makes them ideal for those seeking a quiet workspace. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a rich, thocky sound that enhances the typing experience with every keystroke, bolstered by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that enriches their overall performance. While the Bobagum switches are perfect for users who prioritize silence and smoothness, the Rosewood appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback and a satisfying typing rhythm. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences!
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 Gazzew Bobagum and Akko Rosewood switches present an interesting case of similarity and difference in housing materials, particularly in their top and bottom housing compositions. Both switches utilize materials that are relatively soft, which is a crucial characteristic influencing the overall sound profile of the keys. The Bobagum employs a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housing, designed specifically to deliver a lush and resonant sound. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features more traditional nylon for its housings. Despite these differences in material types, the resulting auditory effects from typing on both switches could converge on similar outcomes due to their shared property of sound absorption and softness, allowing both to create a rich and deep sound profile.
When focusing on the unique characteristics of the materials themselves, the Gazzew blend achieves a delicate balance between resilience and softness that may enhance durability while maintaining sound quality. The tactical feel of switches made with this "boba plastic" may also feel more forgiving than those produced with traditional materials. On the other hand, nylon, as used in the Akko Rosewood switches, is revered for its classic qualities—proven over time to provide a mellow acoustic response. This leads to a noticeable depth and fullness in the sound profile that could rival that of the Bobagum, particularly if the switches are engaged with similar force. Thus, both materials are tailor-made to produce a sound that users may find equally satisfying, albeit through slightly different engineering approaches.
When pressed, the differences in the two switches’ designs mean that the top and bottom housings have variable effects on the feel and sound profiles. For the Bobagum, the proprietary blend delivers a consistent acoustic experience from bottom-out to key release. In the case of the Akko Rosewood, the distinct yet softer nylon plays a crucial role in shaping the sound when the key is lifted, allowing for a harmonious blend of tactile feedback and auditory pleasure. Ultimately, although both switches use different materials, they share the fundamental trait of dampening sound and enhancing the typing experience, making them effective options for users seeking a rich sound while typing. Consequently, a user might derive a similar auditory satisfaction despite the contrasting materials, as both switches cater to preferences for softer sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum and Akko Rosewood linear switches, a distinct difference is evident in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum lacks a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the heavier option overall due to a lower bottom out force. While the exact actuation force of the Bobagum is uncertain, the Rosewood's known actuation force offers a lighter and more responsive typing experience, ideally suited for extended typing or gaming sessions. This contrast in force dynamics highlights that for those who prefer a nimble and less fatiguing keystroke, the Rosewood is a favorable option, while those seeking a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the Bobagum, despite its unknown actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The Bobagum features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Rosewood's travel distance measures 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional longer travel distance. This difference highlights the contrasting experiences each switch provides; the Bobagum may appeal to gamers seeking rapid response times and a snappier feel, whereas the Rosewood's extra depth may suit those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you value speed or a more grounded typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 notably muted auditory experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to traditional mechanical keyboard switches. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing for environments where noise sensitivity is a concern. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch creates a deep, satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This pronounced acoustic profile is likely to be more appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Although both switches offer unique sound experiences, the Bobagum leans towards discretion, while the Rosewood embraces a richer sound signature that resonates with more traditional mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switches excel in providing a smooth, almost 'matte' sensation during typing, striking a balance between a tactile response and a buttery-smooth glide. This subtly resistant feel contributes to a pleasant typing experience that remains light and easy on the fingers, accommodating a variety of typing styles. The sound signature's muted nature further complements this subtlety, making it suitable for shared spaces. The feel of the Rosewood switch is not explicitly noted, but given its acoustic characteristics, one might anticipate a more tactile experience that contrasts with the smoothness of the Bobagum. The presence of factory lubrication suggests a refined typing experience, though without specific details, it’s hard to provide a direct comparison in tactile feedback.
In summary, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a muted sound profile and a smooth, subtle feel, making it great for quiet environments, while the Akko Rosewood switch provides a deeper, thocky sound that adds to its charm, potentially delivering a more tactile experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference: opt for the Bobagum if you seek discretion and smoothness, or the Rosewood if you prioritize auditory feedback and a potentially more pronounced tactile feel. Each will provide its own unique typing experience, and your final decision should align with your style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely depends on your individual preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Bobagum's medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams combined with its almost 'matte' feel makes it ideal for both personal use and shared workspaces where subtlety is key. The nearly silent performance ensures that you can type away without disturbing others, making it perfect if you're frequently in quiet settings. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback while typing, the Rosewood, with its lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and satisfying thocky sound, is the switch for you. The factory lubrication not only enhances the sound but also contributes to a pleasant feel, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a bit more presence in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should revolve around whether you prefer a serene typing experience or one complemented by a rich sound, ensuring that you select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment.
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