Gazzew Bobagum vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX SU both offer unique linear experiences that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum switches stand out with their distinctive 'matte' feel, providing a smooth typing experience that isn't overly slick, and their almost silent operation makes them an excellent choice for quiet environments. If you value muted feedback and subtle elegance in both feel and sound, the Bobagum is a compelling option. On the other hand, the HMX SU switches, characterized by their full PA12 housing and T5 stem, deliver a deeper yet refined sound profile that some users may find satisfying. While they may not be as silent as the Bobagum, their tactile depth can enhance the overall typing experience for those who prefer a bit more auditory feedback. 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 SU Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and HMX SU switches each utilize distinctive housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Bobagum features a proprietary plastic blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housings, which is characterized by its softness. This characteristic contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, allowing for a more nuanced auditory experience. Conversely, the HMX SU opts for a more traditional material, employing nylon for both its top and bottom housings. While nylon is also noted for its softer qualities compared to harder plastics, it might not entirely match the specific acoustic enhancements introduced by the Gazzew blend. However, both switches produce similar sound profiles rooted in their softer materials, creating a fuller auditory experience.

When examining the individual contributions of the housing materials, the differences between the Bobagum's proprietary blend and the SU's nylon become more apparent. The Bobagum’s Gazzew blend is designed specifically to yield a rich sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate depth and resonance. Conversely, the SU’s use of nylon, though classic, attempts to achieve a comparable outcome through its sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a duller yet rounder sound signature. The impact of each material on the auditory experience is nuanced; while the nylon absorbs sound effectively, the unique formulation of the Bobagum's housing might deliver a slightly more vibrant acoustic experience.

With regard to performance and sound output, both the Bobagum and HMX SU exhibit a similar acoustic quality, showcasing how different materials can lead to parallel results in sound perception. As the top housing significantly affects the sound on key release, both switches benefit from their softer materials to create a more rounded auditory engagement. The softness of the nylon used in the HMX SU allows it to engage with sound dynamics similarly to the Gazzew blend in the Bobagum, ensuring that gamers and typists alike receive a satisfying auditory feedback experience regardless of technical distinctions between the two switches. In essence, while the materials differ, the end result in terms of sound quality remains aligned, demonstrating the interesting intersection of material science and audio design in keyboard switches.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch to the HMX SU linear switch, a notable difference emerges in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Gazzew Bobagum has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX SU has a light actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the HMX SU is the lighter switch overall, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate. Conversely, the Bobagum, with its heavier bottom out force, may provide a more substantial feel during use, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push sensation in their typing experience. In summary, while the HMX SU excels in lighter actuation and bottoming out, the Gazzew Bobagum's medium-light bottom out force offers a different tactile feedback that some users may find preferable.

Travel distance

Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch have identical travel distances, each measuring 3.6 mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent key press experience when using either switch, as the distance traveled during activation will feel the same. As such, both switches will provide a comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness, making either option a suitable choice for those who prioritize uniformity in key press feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is characterized by its muted profile, which produces a softer and quieter sound compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is desired. The subtlety of the sound adds to its appeal, allowing for a more focused typing experience without the distraction of loud clicks or clacks. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch features a relatively deep sound profile thanks to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. While specific descriptors for the SU’s sound have not been provided, its deeper tone suggests that it may still maintain a pleasant acoustic balance, although it may not be quite as quiet as the Bobagum.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers an unparalleled typing experience with its nearly matte texture that strikes a balance between smooth and tactile. Described as subtle, it provides gentle resistance that supports a light typing feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. The lack of resonance in its sound profile further enhances the overall typing comfort, making it suitable for shared workspaces. The HMX SU linear switch, however, does not have specific feel descriptors available, which leaves its tactile characteristics somewhat ambiguous. While it is likely designed with user comfort in mind, the details on its feel in comparison to the Bobagum remain unknown.

Overall, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX SU linear switches cater to different preferences among typists. The Bobagum's muted sound and subtle feel provide a smooth and quiet experience, making it an excellent option for environments requiring minimal disruption. In contrast, while the HMX SU offers a deeper sound profile, the specifics of its feel aren't as clearly defined. Therefore, potential users are likely to experience some similarities in noise levels and typing comfort based on their keyboard setups and personal preferences, but the distinctive characteristics of each switch offer variations that can greatly influence the typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environment in which you work or play. If you appreciate a medium-light force and are looking for an extremely smooth typing experience, the Bobagum is likely your best bet. Its unique matte feel and muted sound profile make it ideal for quiet settings, allowing you to type with minimal disturbance, which is perfect if you share your workspace or simply prefer a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter actuation force around 50 grams and enjoy a subtle depth in sound without causing disruption, the HMX SU switch could suit your needs better. The full PA12 housing and T5 stem provide durability and a slightly deeper tonal quality, giving it a more pronounced but still relatively quiet sound. Ultimately, consider the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard: for tranquil typing sessions, choose Bobagum, while the SU works well for those who enjoy a light feel with a hint of auditory presence.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more