Gazzew Bobagum vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gazzew Bobagum, a linear switch, and the TTC Silent Bluish White, a tactile switch. Both of these mechanical keyboard switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with an almost 'matte' feel, providing an unparalleled tactility that's truly one of a kind. Typing on these bubblegum-colored switches produces a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those seeking a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches offer a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, giving users a precise and comfortable typing experience. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Silent Bluish White differ in terms of their plastic blends. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which offers a softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. Therefore, while the Bobagum's Gazzew blend provides a soft and mellow tone, the Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate offers a more vibrant and pronounced sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gazzew Bobagum relies on its proprietary Gazzew blend, which, like its top housing, contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice for switch housing material. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon creates a duller and rounder sound, giving the Silent Bluish White a distinct character compared to the Bobagum's Gazzew blend.
When both top and bottom housings are different in a switch, their individual qualities are split between the top and bottom. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while the Gazzew Bobagum focuses on enhancing the sound upon key release with its soft and mellow top housing, the TTC Silent Bluish White emphasizes a sharper and more resonant bottom-out sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing combination. However, both switches deliver unique sound profiles by utilizing the characteristics of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Bobagum has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams, making the Bobagum require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bobagum is also on the heavier side with a force of 62 grams, whereas the Silent Bluish White requires a lighter force of 50 grams.
This contrast in forces affects the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter weight switch may find the Silent Bluish White more suitable, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to type for longer periods of time. This is especially beneficial for individuals using a keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Bobagum, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces providing a stronger push and a tactile feedback during typing.
It is worth noting that while the forces in these switches differ, it is possible to achieve similar results in terms of typing experience. Users desiring a lighter or heavier feel can adjust their typing techniques to accommodate the switch they choose. Adapting to the switch's specific force requirements will allow for a comfortable and satisfactory typing experience, regardless of the differences between the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Silent Bluish White switches.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the world of keyboards. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Silent Bluish White switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, it's important to note that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a sense of depth, the Gazzew Bobagum switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 it comes to sound, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are described as muted, meaning they produce softer and quieter sounds compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes them both great options for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience, particularly in office or shared living spaces. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience, both switches can deliver similar results.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a unique and unparalleled tactility. It has been described as having an almost "matte" feel, providing a smooth glide that is neither as polished as ice-skating nor as textured as unlubed switches. The Bobagum switch also offers a subtle resistance, giving a light typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch is described as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke. It offers a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, resulting in a precise and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switch is considered stepped, meaning it has two stages to the tactile feedback, giving it a slightly more pronounced feel compared to the Bobagum switch. Overall, while the two switches offer different types of tactility, they both provide a pleasant typing experience that can be appreciated by most users.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have their own unique qualities that make them compelling choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Bobagum switch stands out for its unparalleled tactility, with its smooth and subtle feel, while also offering a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch provides a satisfying level of resistance and a buttery keystroke experience, while being designed to be as quiet as possible. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of the level of tactility and sound profile desired. However, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize smoothness and a unique tactile experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a satisfying level of resistance without being too heavy. The Bobagum switches have a muted sound profile, making them quieter than regular mechanical switches and ideal for shared spaces. Additionally, their "matte" feel provides a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a light bottom out force and a precise typing experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a gentle resistance, producing a buttery and effortless keystroke experience. They are also designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. Ultimately, the choice between the Bobagum and Silent Bluish White switches depends on your preference for smoothness versus tactility and your requirement for a muted sound profile.