Gazzew Bobagum vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew Bobagum and Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Bobagum switch is praised for its smoothness and unparalleled tactility, providing a near-silent typing experience with a distinctive 'matte' feel. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a bouncy typing sensation. While both switches are linear in operation, the Bobagum is characterized as 'muted' and 'subtle', while the Snow switch is described as 'thocky', 'neutral', 'low-pitched', and 'bouncy'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 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
POK
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Dareu Snow, it is evident that both keyboards prioritize sound quality and durability. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing is known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, while the Snow's POK top housing is praised for its smoothness and durability. While the Bobagum's Gazzew blend offers a softer sound profile, the Snow's POK material provides a clacky and durable switch experience. Both materials offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Gazzew Bobagum utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, focusing on delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Dareu Snow incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, which helps elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in the Snow keyboard is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gazzew blend. While both materials contribute to sound quality, the nylon in the Snow keyboard offers a unique typing experience with its softer plastic composition.
Overall, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Dareu Snow housing materials will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The Gazzew blend in the Bobagum provides a softer and richer sound, while the POK material in the Snow offers a smooth and durable typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, clacky sound or a rich, soft sound, both keyboards offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an enhanced typing experience. Ultimately, both keyboards strive to deliver premium sound quality and durability through their unique housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Gazzew Bobagum and Dareu Snow linear switches, we can see that the actuation force of the Bobagum is slightly lighter at 46 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bobagum requires a heavier force at 62 grams compared to the Snow's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. This means that users can expect a relatively similar typing experience in terms of force required to press the keys. Some users may prefer the slightly lighter actuation force of the Bobagum for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Snow for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking quicker response times. However, the Bobagum switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference regarding the level of responsiveness and tactile feedback desired in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 best suited for those who prefer a muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and rich tone with each key press. The choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference, with the Bobagum providing a more subdued typing experience compared to the Snow's more pronounced and satisfying sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a subtle typing experience with a gentle resistance, providing a light and smooth feel when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with keys that rebound when pressed. Depending on whether you prefer a more subtle and gentle typing experience or a bouncy and lively feel, your choice between these two switches will greatly impact your overall typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that the Gazzew Bobagum and Dareu Snow linear switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. If you prioritize a nearly silent and smooth typing experience, the Bobagum switch may be the better option for you. Conversely, if you enjoy a deeper and more satisfying sound with a bouncy and lively keystroke, the Snow switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches are high-quality options that will enhance your typing experience, so you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction regardless of your final decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize smoothness and a unique tactile experience along with a nearly silent typing sound, the Bobagum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and innovative materials like POK for both the top housing and stem, the Snow switch offers a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feedback sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Make sure to consider these factors carefully when selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.