Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Bobagum switches are lauded for their unique 'matte' feel, providing a type experience that strikes a balance between a polished glide and the roughness of unlubed switches, resulting in a nearly silent typing experience that is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle.' On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a medium-weight construction with an all-POM design that delivers remarkable smoothness along with a satisfying 'thocky' sound profile. While the Bobagum is perfect for those who value a quieter, more tactile feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and 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

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles and overall performance. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary blend of plastic referred to as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This material is noted for its softness, which helps to deliver a rich and deep sound profile, resulting in a tactile and resonant keypress. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for producing an incredibly pleasing yet unique sound, which tends to be on the deeper side while maintaining a more muted quality.

When examining the nuances between these two materials, it's evident that the Gazzew blend's softness offers a slightly more vibrant acoustic experience compared to the relatively more subdued characteristics of the POM used in the Sea Salt Smoothie. The Bobagum's rich sound is heavily influenced by its boba plastic housing, which contributes to a more resonant keypress, while the POM's properties lend a smoother and quieter typing experience. Even though both materials aim for a deep sound profile, they achieve this in different ways, with the Bobagum leaning towards a fuller, more lively tone and the Sea Salt Smoothie offering a tempered auditory experience.

In terms of overall performance, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in each switch influences how the user experiences the sound and feel. Though the Bobagum's and Sea Salt Smoothie’s housing materials are distinct, users may find similar results in terms of depth of sound during keypresses, particularly when considering the softness of the Bobagum's boba plastic and the muted qualities of the Sea Salt’s POM. When a user actuates a switch, both the Bobagum and the Sea Salt Smoothie can yield satisfying auditory feedback, albeit with different tonal coloration—this results in a unique balance between the respective housing materials. Thus, while the underlying materials differ, the resultant sound experience can potentially converge, allowing users to enjoy similarly profound acoustics in their typing journey.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Bobagum features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a known actuation force of 48 grams, but its bottom out force remains unspecified. As a result, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users seeking a switch that allows for longer typing sessions. However, with the Bobagum's heavier bottom out force, users seeking more substantial feedback might prefer its feel despite the lack of a clear actuation force measurement. Since both switches have an unspecified force for one of the categories, it isn't possible to determine if their overall actuation and bottom out experiences may align or diverge further in practice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Consequently, the Bobagum offers the shorter travel distance of the two, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, could be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches exhibit distances that are relatively close, the choice between them may hinge on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more traditional feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out for its nearly silent profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a subdued typing experience. Its muted nature minimizes the traditional noise associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a quieter environment, which is particularly beneficial in shared spaces. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a thocky sound profile that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This distinct sound can create a more engaging typing atmosphere, but may not be as suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum linear switch offers a unique experience characterized by an almost 'matte' texture that strikes a balance between smoothness and tactile resistance. This results in a subtle switch that gives a gentle, yet firm feedback when typing, suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, while the specific feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie is not detailed here, it is known for its exceptional smoothness. Both switches deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but the Bobagum’s gentle resistance might provide a more nuanced feel.

In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer their unique advantages in sound and feel. The Bobagum’s ultra-quiet, muted sound coupled with its almost matte tactile feedback caters perfectly to users looking for discretion and comfort. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's thocky sound profile can enhance the overall typing experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback. While both switches excel in smoothness, the Bobagum’s subtle resistance provides a distinct touch that may appeal to some typists looking for a softer experience. Ultimately, choosing between them will hinge on personal preference regarding sound levels and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

In summation, choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you value a typing experience that's smooth yet subtle, you may find the Bobagum to be an ideal choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force and almost muted sound signature make it an excellent option for quieter environments, such as shared workspaces or libraries, where you want to minimize noise disruption. Additionally, the unique matte-like feel of the Bobagum provides a distinctive typing sensation that many users find appealing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth, medium-weight switch with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be your go-to. The design of the Smoothie delivers a robust typing experience without sacrificing smoothness, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel and are less confined by noise considerations. Thus, your choice between these two switches ultimately reflects your typing style and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more