Gazzew Bobagum vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Sage are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. On one hand, the Bobagum is best known for its smooth and almost "matte" feel, providing an unparalleled tactility that is truly one-of-a-kind. This switch offers a muted and subtle typing experience, accompanied by a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Sage switch by Kailh provides a distinct clicky typing experience. With a weighty feel and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, typing on the Sage switch is invigorating and crunchy. Both switches have their own merits, providing different levels of tactility and sound profiles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Sage differ in their choice of housing materials. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, creating a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the Sage opts for polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Bobagum's plastic blend focuses on delivering a softer and more resonant sound, the Sage's polycarbonate offers a more clear and vibrant tone. However, if you're looking for a switch that pairs well with RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sage becomes particularly advantageous due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend is once again used, emphasizing its softness to contribute to a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Sage incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. So, while the Bobagum's bottom housing focuses on softness, the Sage's nylon housing aims for a deeper and fuller sound experience.
It's worth noting that when a switch features different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be split. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when the key is released. Therefore, despite the differences in housing materials between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Kailh Sage, the overall sound profile and typing experience can still be similar, depending on the specific combinations and design choices made by the manufacturers.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are some notable differences. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is a lighter force compared to the unknown actuation force of the Sage. This means that the Bobagum requires less pressure to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum has a force of 62 grams, which is also lighter compared to the Sage's 70 grams. This indicates that the Bobagum switch has a slightly softer landing when fully pressed down.
Considering the weight or force of the switches, there are benefits to both lighter and heavier options. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Bobagum switch allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, some individuals might prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience, in which case the heavier bottom out force of the Sage could be a better choice.
Unfortunately, the actuation force of the Sage switch is not available, so a direct comparison between the two switches in that aspect cannot be made. However, based on the information provided, if the actuation forces are similar or equal, both switches would likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the Bobagum and Sage switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier feel during typing.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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 experience. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The Bobagum's sound profile is almost silent, providing a more subtle and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is described as crunchy. This type of switch produces a sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The Sage switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience, with a refreshingly sharp clickiness that adds an audible confirmation to each keystroke. It's important to remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch redefines smoothness with its almost "matte" feel. Although it doesn't possess the polished glide of ice-skating or the texture of unlubed switches, it offers a unique tactility that sets it apart. The Bobagum switch provides a gentle resistance, giving it a subtle and light typing feel. Its typing sound is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is desired. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers an invigorating typing sensation. It provides pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The Sage switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, which is distinctly felt with each keypress. These characteristics create an immersive typing experience for those who appreciate a more responsive and tactile switch.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch provides a nearly silent sound profile and a subtle typing feel with its unique tactility. It is best suited for those seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage switch offers a crunchy sound and an invigorating typing sensation. Its sharp tactile bump and pronounced feedback create a more immersive and responsive typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, both switches provide their own unique qualities. It's worth noting that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so be sure to consider these when making a decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and almost 'matte' feel with unparalleled tactility, as well as a nearly silent sound profile, then the Bobagum is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, then the Sage is the switch that will satisfy your needs.
Consider the sound profile of the switches as well. If you prefer a softer and quieter sound, similar to that of a muted switch, then the Bobagum is the way to go. However, if you enjoy the delightful sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, the Sage's crunchy sound will be more to your liking.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum offers a subtle switch experience with a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. It is suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Sage provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. It also has a sharp and distinct tactile bump for each keypress.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch will come down to your individual preferences for smoothness, sound, and feel. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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