Gazzew Bobagum vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come to mind are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Sakura, both linear switches celebrated for their unique features and typing experiences. The Bobagum stands out with its innovative 'matte' feel, providing a smooth yet textured typing surface that strikes a balance between gliding effortlessly and offering a tactile touch. Its almost silent sound profile makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a quieter workspace or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Huano Sakura is known for its feather-light actuation force and medium acoustic profile, which not only enhances typing speed but also makes it ideal for long hours of use, where fatigue can be a concern. Both switches serve distinct purposes, making them appealing choices depending on individual preferences for feel, sound, and usability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Sakura, there are notable differences in both the top and bottom components. The Bobagum features a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which is designed to provide a rich and deep sound profile due to its inherent softness. Conversely, the Sakura utilizes POK material for its top housing. Known for its low coefficient of friction, POK delivers a smooth typing experience and enhances switch durability with remarkable strength against wear and shock. While both top housings aim to optimize sound and feel, they approach these objectives through distinct material properties; boba plastic focuses on sound richness, whereas POK targets smoothness and resilience.
In terms of their bottom housings, there’s a contrasting approach between the two switches. The Bobagum again employs its proprietary soft boba plastic for the bottom housing, reinforcing its commitment to a rich auditory experience. The Huano Sakura, on the other hand, opts for nylon, a classic material renowned for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory feedback. This difference is crucial as the bottom housing significantly influences the overall sound character and tactile feel when bottoming out. Therefore, while both switches pursue a quality tactile experience, the Bobagum’s consistent use of softer materials across both housings creates a unified sound profile, while the Sakura separates its approach to use nylon for sound absorption and warmth.
Despite these contrasts, both switches can achieve desirable acoustic results in their respective ways. The softness of the Bobagum's boba plastic contributes to a dulcet typing experience, making it stand out for users prioritizing sound enjoyment. Conversely, the Sakura seeks balance in user feedback through its POK and nylon combination, where the top housing’s smoothness and the bottom housing’s sound-dampening attributes work in tandem. This juxtaposition highlights how different materials can yield similar results: both switches strive for an enriched auditory experience but through uniquely tailored strategies that play to their respective strengths. This ultimately allows users to choose based on their specific tactile preferences and acoustic aims.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has an unknown actuation force, which leaves its typing feel somewhat ambiguous; however, it does have a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the Sakura has a defined actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter overall. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming might gravitate towards the Sakura switch, as it requires less force to actuate. Conversely, the Bobagum's higher bottom out force suggests a firmer experience, suited for users who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Hence, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Sakura is the lighter option, while the Bobagum provides a heavier tactile experience, particularly noticeable when bottoming out.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch is 3.6 mm, meaning they provide an identical feel when pressed. This equivalent travel distance ensures that users can expect similar actuation experiences between the two switches, allowing for a uniform typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen. Since both switches have the same travel distance, there is no shorter or longer option when it comes to their key travel; users can rely on this consistency for both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50.
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
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch boasts a nearly silent sound profile that can be characterized as muted, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to minimize noise in shared environments. This switch produces a softer sound compared to more traditional, clacky mechanical switches, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch features medium acoustics, which typically provide a balanced sound that is more audible than the Bobagum’s muted quality but still maintains an acceptable level of noise for extended use. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience than several other mechanical switches, though the Bobagum takes the lead in sound dampening.
When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch is renowned for its unique combination of smoothness and subtle resistance. This switch provides an almost 'matte' sensation, providing a gentle yet satisfying typing experience without the abrasive texture of unlubed switches. It sits comfortably between polished and raw feeling, making it versatile for various typing styles. In comparison, the Sakura switch is designed for a feather-light touch, which is perfect for type-intensive tasks and prolonged usage; however, its specific textual quality hasn't been detailed. While the Bobagum strikes a balance between feedback and effort, allowing for a more nuanced experience, the Sakura aims for an effortless typing experience that sacrifices some of that nuanced feedback for sheer lightness.
In summary, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Sakura linear switches offer distinct advantages, primarily centered around sound and feel. The Bobagum excels in creating a nearly silent environment with a subtle touch, while the Sakura provides a feather-light experience at the cost of some feedback. Depending on your priority—extreme quietude or ease of typing—you may find one to suit your needs better than the other, yet both can achieve a comfortable and pleasant typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Huano Sakura linear switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a slightly heavier feel and prioritize smoothness, the Bobagum is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams offers a comfortable yet substantial typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a slightly more tactile sensation while still maintaining a quiet profile. This makes it particularly suitable for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions where noise might be an issue. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light touch with a softer sound and are seeking a switch that won't strain your fingers during prolonged use, the Sakura's 45-gram bottom out force should be your go-to. Its light action and medium acoustics make it ideal for extensive typing sessions where fatigue can be a concern. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the context in which you'll be using the keyboard—be it for gaming, work, or casual use.
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