Gazzew Bobagum vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come into the spotlight are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The Bobagum switch is renowned for its unique smoothness and unparalleled tactility. It offers a distinct matte feel, striking a balance between the polished glide of ice-skating and the texture of unlubed switches. Typing on these bubblegum-colored switches is accompanied by a nearly silent sound profile, making them perfect for those who prefer a muted and subtle experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch by Aflion is an excellent choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, these switches provide an approachable tactility that strikes a satisfying balance between responsiveness and feedback. Additionally, the Shadow switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, adding an auditory charm to your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings are made of a soft plastic blend, commonly referred to as "boba plastic." This softness contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a more mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This creates a more lively and responsive typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more tactile and pronounced sound.
One notable difference between the two switches is the aesthetic aspect. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, allowing for impressive RGB lighting effects. This makes it an attractive choice for users who enjoy personalizing their keyboard setup with vibrant lighting. In contrast, the Gazzew Bobagum's Gazzew blend top housing lacks translucency, which means it may not have the same level of compatibility with RGB lighting setups. However, it still offers a pleasing appearance and does not compromise on sound quality.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing plays a crucial role. In both switches, the bottom housing's material significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed. For the Bobagum, the soft Gazzew blend plastic creates a deep and cushioned sensation, resulting in a smoother typing experience. Meanwhile, in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing leads to a more distinct and pronounced bottom-out sound, providing users with a crisper and more responsive typing feel.
In terms of the impact on sound when releasing a key, the housing material for the top housing becomes more relevant. The Gazzew Bobagum's Gazzew blend top housing, with its softness, contributes to a gentle and mellow sound when a key is released. Conversely, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate top housing brings about a clearer and resonant sound, creating a striking contrast between pressing and releasing a key. While the Bobagum and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offer different sound profiles, they cater to varying preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect typing experience based on their individual needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium range. The Bobagum has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 48 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Bobagum is heavier at 62 grams while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is lighter at 55 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may lean towards a switch with a heavier actuation force, like the Bobagum. This heavier force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more tactile typing experience.
It is worth mentioning that although the forces differ slightly between the two switches, they both fall under the medium category. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces can expect comparable performance from both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch differ slightly. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Shadow (Ink) being the more traditional option, the slight difference in their distances can have an impact on the typing experience. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Bobagum. Its 3.6 mm distance allows for quicker key presses and potentially enhances gaming performance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key travel and a deeper feel may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its 4 mm travel distance. It provides a more pronounced feedback and a satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out for its almost silent sound profile. These switches produce a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Bobagum switch offers a unique experience with its smooth and 'matte' feel. It provides a subtle typing feel with a gentle resistance, maintaining a light and comfortable typing experience. Furthermore, the switch's sound signature is described as not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is described as 'bouncy'. These switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving keys a lively feel and a rebound when pressed.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a smooth and nearly silent typing experience with a unique feel. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, on the other hand, provides a medium level of tactility and a deep thocky sound profile while offering a bouncy and lively feel. Both switches have their own distinct qualities and it ultimately depends on the individual's preferences. However, if you are looking for a switch with similar smoothness and a quiet sound profile as the Bobagum, you may achieve comparable results with the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are seeking a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gazzew Bobagum would be a great option for you. These switches offer an unparalleled tactility that is smooth and almost 'matte' in feel, providing a unique typing experience. In addition, they produce a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be an excellent choice. These switches offer a very approachable level of tactility and provide a deep and thocky sound profile. They also have a bouncy feel, giving you a lively and spring-like feedback sensation when typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire.
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