Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Smoothie Silver are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different unique features that may appeal to different types of users. The Bobagum is recognized for its smoothness with a distinctive 'matte' feel, providing a tactile experience that stands out from other switches. Additionally, it offers a nearly silent sound profile while typing, making it a great option for those who prefer a more muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its short travel distance, lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. These features may attract users looking for a switch that offers precision and speed. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Bobagum uses a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing, which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver uses POM material for its top and bottom housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both housing materials aim to enhance the sound profile of the switches, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend may provide a softer and deeper sound compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM material.
In terms of sound characteristics, the Bobagum and the Smoothie Silver exhibit differences in sound profile due to their housing materials. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend is known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM material creates a more pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. These differences in sound profile are primarily influenced by the housing materials used in each switch. Despite these differences, both switches offer a high-quality sound experience that may appeal to keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific sound profile in their switches.
While the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Smoothie Silver differ in terms of their proprietary blends and POM material, the goal of enhancing sound profile remains consistent. The top and bottom housings of each switch play a significant role in shaping the sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Although the housing materials may differ between the two switches, both offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience with their distinct sound characteristics. Whether you opt for the Bobagum's Gazzew blend or the Smoothie Silver's POM material, you can expect a high-quality sound profile that enhances your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see that the Bobagum has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Bobagum is 62 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Bobagum can be considered a bit heavier than the Smoothie Silver. The actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, with the Bobagum requiring a slightly higher force. However, the lack of information on the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver means that the typing experience may vary. Overall, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might opt for the Gazzew Bobagum. Both switches offer their own unique typing experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Bobagum switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver switch, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch's shorter travel distance may be favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a softer and quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, delivering a unique auditory feedback that some users find satisfying. Ultimately, the sound preference comes down to personal taste and can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bobagum linear switch provides a subtle tactile feedback with a gentle resistance that is not too heavy but still offers a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver linear switch boasts unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, making it ideal for those who prefer a responsive and quick actuation. The choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more tactile typing experience or a smoother and faster one.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch provides a muted sound profile and a subtle tactile feedback, while the Smoothie Silver switch delivers a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness. Ultimately, the right choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences, typing style, and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that is sure to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique tactile experience with a nearly silent sound profile and medium bottom out force, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and a thocky sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches would be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing habits, desired sound profile, and tactile preferences when making your decision between these two exceptional switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Bobagum and Smoothie Silver switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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