Gazzew Bobagum vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. The Bobagum is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and almost silent sound profile, making it a great option for those who prioritize a tactile typing experience without the distraction of loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and responsive key presses. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the V3 Silver Pro boasts characteristics like being 'Easy-to-press', 'Creamy', 'Feathery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', and 'Silky'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro differ in terms of the materials used and the resulting sound profiles. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Furthermore, the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Bobagum's bottom housing due to nylon's softer nature.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro aim to provide a unique sound experience for keyboard enthusiasts. The Bobagum's use of its proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing results in a rich and deep sound profile, whereas the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound. However, both keyboards prioritize sound quality and aim to enhance the typing experience for users.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound profile of a keyboard switch, it is important to note the influence of both the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing is more significant in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro ultimately depends on the desired sound profile and typing experience that each user prefers, whether it be a rich and deep sound or a sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Bobagum has a slightly heavier actuation force at 46 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams. On the other hand, the Bobagum also has a higher bottom out force at 62 grams, whereas the V3 Silver Pro only requires 45 grams to bottom out. This makes the V3 Silver Pro a lighter option overall, suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Bobagum, on the other hand, is better suited for those looking for a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making the V3 Silver Pro the shorter option. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the Bobagum with the slightly longer travel distance may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, when comparing the travel distance of these two switches, the slight difference between them may not be significant enough to noticeably impact the typing experience, so you can expect similar results from both.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched and crisp sound with each keystroke, providing a more sharp and distinct auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Bobagum focusing on a quieter typing experience while the V3 Silver Pro delivers a more pronounced sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Bobagum switch is described as having a subtle resistance, providing a gentle typing feel without being overly light or heavy. This switch also boasts a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switch is praised for its creamy and silky typing sensation, providing a smooth and buttery keypress with each stroke.
Overall, each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch excels in providing a muted sound profile and a subtle typing feel, ideal for those seeking a quieter and gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is designed for gamers, featuring a high-pitched sound and easy-to-press keys that enhance responsiveness and comfort during extended typing sessions. Depending on personal preferences and use cases, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience with their specific sound profiles and tactile feels.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile and almost silent typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a pleasing bassy sound, especially in gaming scenarios where speed is crucial, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and the specific use case for your mechanical keyboard. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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