Gazzew Bobagum vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Silent Red. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but they each have unique qualities that set them apart. The Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with their 'matte' feel, providing an unparalleled tactile experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Additionally, these bubblegum-colored switches offer a nearly silent sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Reds deliver a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise. With a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort, these switches are perfect for office or shared living spaces. Their muted sound profile ensures a quiet workspace, while still maintaining a buttery and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$6.50 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Silent Red switches offer distinct sound profiles with their respective materials. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile. The Softness of the plastic blend contributes to a softer and more resonant sound when pressing the keys. In contrast, the Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. While their housing materials differ, both switches provide unique sound experiences.

The bottom housing materials of the Bobagum and Silent Red switches also contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Bobagum's proprietary plastic blend in its bottom housing, like the top housing, offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This softness absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound and further contributes to a duller and rounder sound when pressing the keys. Despite their differences, both switches' bottom housing materials result in enhanced sound experiences.

While the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Silent Red switches differ, it is important to note that they each bring their unique qualities to the overall switch sound. The choice of housing materials impacts various aspects of the sound profile, including richness, depth, sharpness, and pitch. The Bobagum's use of its proprietary plastic blend in both top and bottom housings delivers a softer and more resonant sound profile, while the Silent Red's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a crisper and fuller sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Silent Red has a slightly lower actuation force at 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams of force, while the Silent Red requires a slightly higher force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range for actuation force, but the Silent Red leans towards the medium-heavy side for bottom out force.

Weight can play a significant role in the typing experience, as some individuals prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while others prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial feel. In this case, the Bobagum can be considered slightly lighter due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a slightly heavier push feel with a higher bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.

Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Silent Red switches, the variations are relatively minor. Both switches fall within a similar range, ensuring that users will achieve comparable results in terms of force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although the discrepancy is minimal, it is worth noting that the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance. In terms of overall preference, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are seeking a more responsive typing experience, opting for the Bobagum with its shorter travel distance could be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press and find shorter travel distances to be abrupt, the Silent Red with its longer travel distance might be the more appealing option. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results, with only a marginal distinction in their travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Silent Red switches offer a muted sound profile. This means that you can expect a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. Muted switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. It's important to note that the overall sound of the switch will also be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch provides a unique and unparalleled tactility. It is described as having an almost "matte" feel, offering a smoothness that is different from the polished glide of ice-skating or the texture of unlubed switches. The Bobagum switch offers a gentle resistance, providing a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of this switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.

On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom. Described as "buttery," this switch offers a smooth and fluid typing experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation when typing. The Silent Red switch also offers a padded bottom-out feel, maximizing comfort during longer typing sessions. It can be considered a mild switch, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Silent Red switches offer a muted sound profile, making them perfect for office or shared living spaces. The Bobagum switch stands out with its unique and unparalleled tactility, providing a smoothness that is truly one of a kind. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery and consistent feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing experience. While they have their own distinct qualities, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences for feel and sound.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that delivers an unparalleled level of smoothness and tactility, along with a nearly silent sound profile, then the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches redefine smoothness with their unique "matte" feel and offer a typing experience that is both smooth and quiet. The Bobagum switches would be a great option for those who value a muted sound profile and want a switch that is suitable for shared spaces.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be the perfect fit. With a muted sound profile and a consistent feel from top to bottom, these switches are an excellent choice for office or shared living space use. The Silent Reds offer a buttery typing experience, meaning you can expect smooth and fluid keystrokes with every press. Additionally, the padded bottom-out feel provides maximum comfort during long typing sessions.

In summary, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Silent Red switches offer their own unique advantages. The Bobagum stands out for its unparalleled smoothness and tactility, along with a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Red excels in providing a smooth and seamless typing experience, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Consider your priorities and preferences in terms of sound and feel to determine which switch would best suit your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more