Gazzew Bobagum vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Silent Brown. These switches offer unique features and qualities that make them stand out in the crowd. The Bobagum switch is best known for its unparalleled tactility, providing a smooth yet distinct feeling with its almost 'matte' texture. Not only does it offer a satisfying typing experience, but it also boasts a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch excels in its comfortable typing experience, thanks to its light-medium resistance and rounded tactile bump. Its sound profile is also muted, ensuring a pleasant and unobtrusive typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Brown switches differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This softness allows for a more mellow and soothing typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate produces a higher-pitched sound, adding a sense of clarity and precision to every keystroke. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, it's essential to note that the Bobagum's Gazzew blend lends itself more to a softer and immersive typing experience, while the polycarbonate of the Silent Brown produces a more precise and pronounced sound.
The differences in sound profiles between the two switches continue with their bottom housings. The Gazzew Bobagum utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing to deliver a rich and deep sound profile. This blend, similar to the top housing, contributes to a softer and more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and more resonant sound, enhancing the overall tactile and auditory experience of each keypress.
While the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Silent Brown vary in both the top and bottom housings, it is worth noting that the bottom housing has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Since the bottom housing is directly responsible for the initial impact when a key is pressed, its qualities have a significant influence on the tactile feedback and sound produced during this phase. Conversely, the top housing's impact is more apparent when releasing a key, as it contributes to the sound generated during the key's return to its original position. Although the two switches have different housing materials for both top and bottom, it is clear that the choice of housing material plays a vital role in shaping the overall sound characteristics, providing users with unique typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are similarities as well as differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly lighter than the Bobagum, and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Brown may be the preferable choice due to its slightly lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for easier triggering of keystrokes with less effort. However, both switches have a similar medium weight in terms of their bottom out force, offering a substantial typing experience that provides a satisfying push feel when pressing all the way down.
Weight is an important consideration for many keyboard users. Some prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. This makes it ideal for keyboards used during work or extended gaming sessions. However, there are also individuals who prefer a heavier force, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. For these users, options with heavier forces, such as the medium-heavy bottom out force of the Silent Browns, may be more suitable.
In conclusion, when comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force and a medium-heavy bottom out force compared to the medium-weight Bobagum. Both switches, however, offer a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in recent times. Gamers, for instance, opt for shorter travel distances as they provide faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bobagum would be the more suitable option. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. In such cases, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance, the Silent Brown, would provide a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of depth during key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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 linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer a muted sound profile. A muted switch produces a softer and quieter noise compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the typical mechanical keyboard noise. However, it's essential to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch provides an unparalleled tactility with a subtle resistance. It offers a unique smoothness that can be described as having an almost "matte" feel, similar to the glide of ice-skating but not as textured as unlubed switches. This switch is suitable for shared spaces as it is not resonant, ensuring a quiet typing experience.
On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a buttery typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. It provides a satisfying rounded tactile bump, giving a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch has a mild feel, which means it offers a gentle typing experience. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the Silent Brown switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provide a muted sound profile that minimizes noise. However, the Bobagum switch has a unique matte-like smoothness and a subtle resistance, while the Silent Brown switch offers a buttery typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump. The choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, but both options offer high-quality and impressive characteristics. Whether you prefer the unparalleled tactility of the Bobagum or the seamless typing sensation of the Silent Brown, you can expect a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and unparalleled smoothness, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is an excellent choice. These switches offer a unique tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light-medium resistance and a satisfying rounded bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a comfortable typing feel and a muted sound profile. Both switches have a muted sound profile, which is perfect for minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. However, the Bobagum switch has a subtle feel, suitable for shared spaces, while the Silent Brown switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for smoothness and a linear feel or a rounded tactile bump.
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