Gazzew Bobagum vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their key differences. The Bobagum offers a unique smoothness with a matte feel, providing unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those looking for a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches stand out for their bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch and vibrant feedback, catering to users seeking an energetic and responsive typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences due to the distinct properties of their respective materials. The Gazzew Bobagum features a proprietary plastic blend in both the top and bottom housings, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. While the Bobagum's housing material emphasizes a softer and more mellow sound, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate housing provides a more clear and resonant sound experience.
Despite their differences, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice share similarities in how their housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. Both switches' top housings play a significant role in determining the sound when a key is pressed, with the Bobagum's Gazzew blend offering a rich and deep sound profile while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate provides a crisper and sharper tone. Additionally, the bottom housing of each switch contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall tactile experience when pressing down on a key. These similarities in how the housing materials affect the sound and tactile feedback demonstrate the importance of selecting the right material for achieving desired sound characteristics in mechanical keyboard switches.
The aesthetic aspect of the housing materials also differs between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend does not prioritize translucency but instead focuses on delivering a specific sound profile, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate material, known for its clarity, is particularly useful for switches intended to incorporate RGB lighting effects. This distinction in aesthetic preferences underscores how the choice of housing material can not only impact the sound and feel of a switch but also influence its overall visual appeal and compatibility with other design elements such as lighting features.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Bobagum is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 46 grams, compared to the Salt Ice which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a medium actuation force, providing a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback. However, the Bobagum has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Bobagum requires slightly more force to fully press down compared to the Salt Ice, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on individual typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Bobagum has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice switch. The Bobagum's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth to each keystroke, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a slightly quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed and precision. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular in the market. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 comparing the sound of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Bobagum offers a muted and almost silent typing experience, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter environment. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch provides a bright and clacky sound profile, adding a sense of energy and responsiveness to every keystroke. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will come down to personal taste and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bobagum switch is characterized by a subtle and smooth tactile feedback that sets it apart from other linear switches. This unique matte feel offers a level of tactility that is distinctive and enjoyable for users who appreciate a more subdued typing experience. While the feel of the Salt Ice switch is not explicitly described, based on its bright and clacky characteristics, it can be inferred that it provides a more pronounced and lively feedback compared to the Bobagum switch. Again, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more gentle or energetic typing sensation.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bobagum provides a quiet and smooth typing experience with subtle tactile feedback, the Salt Ice offers a bright and clacky sound profile with potentially more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as well as the specific setup of your keyboard. Experimenting with both switches on different boards and keycap combinations will help you determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and almost matte feel with unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, then the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is the way to go. Consider your preferences for sound and feel, as well as bottom out force, when deciding between these two unique switches. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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