Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that fall under the linear category. The Bobagum is best known for its smoothness and unique tactility. With an almost 'matte' feel, it offers a level of smoothness that is incomparable to traditional linear switches. Additionally, the Bobagum provides a nearly silent typing experience, making it suitable for quiet environments. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is favored for its quiet operation and cushion-like bottom-out feel. It offers minimal audio feedback, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches possess similar characteristics such as a muted sound profile, but they differ in terms of their overall smoothness and level of audio feedback. However, let's dive deeper into these switches to help you decide on the best one for your needs.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$6.50 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both have proprietary blend housings, but they differ in terms of sound profiles. The Bobagum's top housing is made from a Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," which creates a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's top housing is made from Gateron's INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is not overly sharp. Despite these differences, both switches deliver satisfying sound experiences, with the Bobagum offering a softer and deeper tone, and the Silent Ink Black providing a clacky and higher-pitched sound.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Bobagum and Silent Ink Black differ in their housing materials. The Bobagum utilizes the same Gazzew blend as its top housing, ensuring a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing is made from Gateron's proprietary INK blend. This blend contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, offering a satisfying thin and higher-pitched experience that is often described as clacky. Thus, while the Bobagum's bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel with its softness, the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing contributes to its unique clacky sound.

Although the top and bottom housings of the Bobagum and Silent Ink Black have different materials, the overall sound experience of the switches is affected by both. When pressing down a key, the bottom housing's qualities have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the softness of the Gazzew blend in the Bobagum's bottom housing will produce a distinct richness and depth. Conversely, the high-pitched and pointed characteristics of the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing will contribute to a clacky feel. When releasing a key, the sound will be influenced more by the top housing, with the Bobagum's boba plastic delivering a rich and deep tone, and the Silent Ink Black's INK blend offering a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience, each with its own distinct sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bobagum has a relatively lighter actuation force of 46 grams, meaning less pressure is needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams for each keystroke. This means that the Bobagum provides a lighter touch, perfect for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience or for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a heavier actuation force, providing a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams of force to fully press the key down, giving it a medium bottom out force. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy in this regard. Both switches have similar characteristics in terms of measuring the force required to bottom out, but the Silent Ink Black once again offers a slightly heavier feel.

Overall, if weight is a consideration, the Bobagum provides a lighter touch for extended use, while the Silent Ink Black offers a heavier and more substantial typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier force depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. However, in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the differences between the two switches are notable, with each switch catering to different user preferences.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. The Bobagum switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are described as muted. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch is described as having a subtle resistance, providing a gentle typing feel. It is not overly feather-light but still offers a comfortable and pleasant typing experience. Additionally, the sound signature of the Bobagum switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise may be a concern.

On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel. This means that it provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch has a refined finish, resulting in a sleek and satisfying typing experience. The combination of smoothness and reduced friction in the Silent Ink Black switch contributes to its overall polished feel.

While the Bobagum and Silent Ink Black switches have different descriptors for their feel, they both prioritize smoothness in their tactile experience. By aiming for a smooth and refined typing experience, they provide users with a pleasant and comfortable feeling while typing.

In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer unique qualities that cater to specific preferences. With the Bobagum switch, you can expect a nearly silent sound profile and a subtle resistance that provides a gentle typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound profile with a silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel. However, it is worth noting that both switches prioritize smoothness, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique tactile feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switches are the way to go. These switches offer a smoothness unlike any other, with a matte-like texture that sets them apart. They are also known for their nearly silent sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you're in a quieter environment and need a switch that provides a cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are a perfect choice. These switches offer a silky smooth typing experience and produce minimal audio feedback, making them ideal for shared spaces. Additionally, they have a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a medium-heavy typing feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing environment you'll be using them in.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more