Gazzew Bobagum vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider your personal typing preferences and the overall feel you desire. Two popular switches to consider are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Durock T1. The Bobagum switches are best known for their unique smoothness and unparalleled tactility. With a texture that falls somewhere between the polished glide of ice-skating and the unlubed switch feel, these bubblegum-colored switches offer a truly one-of-a-kind typing experience. They also provide a nearly silent sound profile, making them perfect for those who prefer a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the T1 switches are all about comfort. Featuring a medium bump when pressing down, typing on these switches feels incredibly satisfying. The sound they produce brings to mind the calming patter of rain falling on a window. With their stepped and low-pitched design, these switches offer a neutral and accented typing experience that is both polished and refined. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Durock T1 differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top and bottom housings, referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend lends itself to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the T1 features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it results in a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, while the Bobagum offers a softer and more mellow sound, the T1 provides a more defined and precise auditory experience.
In terms of aesthetic considerations, the T1's polycarbonate top housing is particularly beneficial if RGB lighting is desired. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate allows the light to shine through, enhancing the visual experience. On the other hand, the Bobagum does not mention any specific aesthetic characteristics of its Gazzew blend housing materials. Therefore, if RGB lighting is not a priority, the choice between these two switches in terms of aesthetics may come down to personal preference.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Bobagum and the T1 differ once again. The Bobagum employs its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which contributes to its rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the T1 features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon is a softer plastic and absorbs more sound, it creates a duller and rounder auditory experience. This means that the Bobagum may offer a softer and more gentle bottom-out sound and feel, while the T1 provides a deeper and more substantial typing experience.
In summary, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Durock T1 utilize different housing materials that result in distinct sound profiles. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend housing materials provide a softer and more mellow sound, while the T1's polycarbonate and nylon housing materials create a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the T1's polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those seeking RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing offers a softer bottom-out sound and feel, while the T1's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller typing experience. Therefore, depending on individual preferences for sound and aesthetics, each switch has its own unique qualities to offer.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Starting with weight, the Bobagum is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 46 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the T1's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Bobagum requiring 62 grams and the T1 67 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bobagum would be a suitable choice as its actuation force allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel and prefer a stronger push may lean towards the T1, with its heavier bottom out force.
While the actuation force of the T1 is unknown, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force. This means that despite the potential difference in actuation force, when it comes to the end result of fully pressing down the keys, users can expect similar levels of resistance and feedback from both switches.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a lighter actuation force compared to the Durock T1 tactile switch, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a lighter typing experience. However, both switches have a similar medium bottom out force, ensuring a comparable level of resistance and feedback during typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock T1 tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. With a slightly shorter travel distance, the Bobagum switch offers a more responsive typing experience, which is often favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the T1 switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key press and a sense of depth. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 provides a nearly silent typing experience. These switches are known for their muted sound profile, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound than regular or clacky switches. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch has a low-pitched sound, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the T1 is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Bobagum linear switch offers a unique tactile experience. It is described as having a subtle feel with a gentle resistance, providing a light typing experience. The switch's sound signature is also described as non-resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch is described as stepped and accented. This means that it provides a mild tactile feedback with two stages of tactile feel, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The T1 also provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Additionally, the T1 switch is polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out for its smoothness and unparalleled tactility. It provides a nearly silent typing experience and has a subtle feel that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a low-pitched sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. Both switches have their own unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. It's worth noting that with careful choice of keyboard and keycaps, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and almost silent typing experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a unique tactility that is unmatched by other switches. Additionally, the Bobagum switch has a muted sound profile, making it ideal for shared spaces or situations where you prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and enjoy a tactile feel while typing, the Durock T1 tactile switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, the T1 provides a satisfying bump when pressed, reminiscent of rain falling on a window. It also has a low-pitched sound profile, adding a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for smoothness and silence (Bobagum) or comfort and tactility (T1).
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