Gazzew Bobagum vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences among users. The Bobagum switches stand out for their exceptional smoothness, featuring a distinct 'matte' feel that strikes a balance between polished and unlubed textures. This results in a delightful, muted feedback that is nearly silent, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize tactile comfort and a discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are designed with ultra-light key presses in mind, employing a bottom-out force of just 43 grams to provide a feather-like touch. They emit a whisper-quiet sound reminiscent of raindrops, appealing to light typists who desire a calm and serene environment while they type. Both switches are linear, ensuring smooth key presses, but they cater to slightly different typing styles and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, it is evident that the top housing materials significantly influence the sound profile of each switch. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend often referred to as "boba plastic," which is designed to deliver a rich, deep sound profile due to its inherent softness. This material allows the switch to absorb some of the sound upon actuation, resulting in a quieter and more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material also known for its softness, which similarly creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, both switches enjoy the benefits of softer plastics in their top housings, leading to comparable sound results when typing.

However, the bottom housing materials of both switches present a stark contrast that influences the overall acoustics. The Bobagum maintains its use of the soft Gazzew blend for the bottom housing as well, enriching the sound experience with a consistent profile that enhances the deeper tones generated by the top housing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing, yielding a sharper and crisper sound profile that contrasts with the mellower tones produced by the nylon top. This difference is crucial: while the Bobagum emphasizes a cohesive, rounded sound due to the same material being used in both top and bottom housings, the Silent Sakura's combination of materials allows for a heightened clarity, especially noticeable during the bottom-out phase.

Ultimately, the materials utilized in both switches create a dynamic interplay between sound and tactile feedback. With the Gazzew Bobagum, the soft plastic blend in both housings combines to provide a rich auditory experience that tends to favor deeper sound notes, making it ideal for users seeking a subdued keystroke sound. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g, with distinct top and bottom housing materials, produces a versatile typing experience that balances deeper tones from the nylon top with the sharper pitch of the polycarbonate bottom. Consequently, while many users will find satisfaction in the soft and deeper acoustic qualities of both switches, the specific sound experience will be notably different, showcasing the significance of housing material selection in keyboard design.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different user preferences. The Bobagum has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Bobagum is heavier overall, particularly upon bottoming out, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The Silent Sakura, being lighter, is likely the better choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended use, such as long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the Bobagum's unknown actuation force makes it difficult to directly compare that aspect, but its heavier bottom out force suggests a different tactile feedback compared to the lighter and more responsive Silent Sakura switch.

Travel distance

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Bobagum offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who favor quick keypresses. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura provides a more traditional depth, which some users may find more comfortable and less abrupt. If you prefer a switch that offers a snappier feel, the Bobagum would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance may suit you better. Overall, these differences in travel distance highlight the varying preferences in tactile feedback and responsiveness among keyboard users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum switches are known for their remarkably muted profile, producing a softer and quieter tone compared to traditional mechanical switches. This muted sound minimizes the clatter commonly associated with typing, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more serene auditory experience. They promise a nearly silent interaction, which aligns well with the needs of users hoping to maintain a peaceful environment. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, while not specifically described in terms of sound profile beyond its whisper-quiet nature, offers a typing experience that evokes the gentle sound of raindrops. Together, both switches prioritize a tranquil soundscape, making them suitable for shared spaces or quiet settings.

Regarding the feel, the Bobagum switches deliver a unique tactile experience that balances smoothness with subtle resistance. The texture can be likened to an in-between of a fully polished glide and a raw, unlubed feel, allowing for a satisfying typing experience that feels both refined and grounded. The gentle resistance of the Bobagum makes it suitable for prolonged typing without causing undue fatigue. The Silent Sakura - 43g, although lacking a detailed description, is crafted for a light typing experience, emphasizing a lower bottom-out force with likely comparable smoothness, particularly for those preferring a delicate touch. Both switches cater to users looking for a responsive and gentle typing feel, although the Bobagum may provide a more distinct tactile sensation.

In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches present excellent options for users seeking a quieter mechanical keyboard experience. The Bobagum excels in its muted sound characteristic and subtly unique feel, while the Silent Sakura focuses on delivering a light and serene typing experience. Although the specifics for the Silent Sakura's sound and feel may not be thoroughly detailed, both switches assure a pleasant typing encounter that prioritizes noise reduction and comfort. Either switch will help create a tranquil environment for both light typists and those who simply appreciate a peaceful keystroke.

Conclusion

To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your preferences and typing environment play crucial roles. If you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a medium-light feel, the Bobagum is the way to go. Its unique matte smoothness and muted sound profile make it well-suited for environments where a subtle presence is appreciated, while still providing a satisfying resistance for your fingers. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a smooth, enjoyable typing experience and don’t mind the slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch for effortless typing, especially in a quiet setting, the Silent Sakura - 43g will be your best bet. With a bottom-out force of just 43 grams and an exceptionally quiet sound profile, these switches provide an almost serene typing experience, perfect for light typists or those working in shared or noise-sensitive spaces. Therefore, your choice ultimately should reflect not only your preferred typing feel but also the environment where you'll be using your keyboard the most.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more