Gazzew Bobagum vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Taichi stand out as two intriguing linear options, each offering distinct characteristics to suit different typing preferences. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their unique smoothness, presenting a nearly silent operation with a tactile feel that sits comfortably between a polished glide and the roughness of unlubed switches. This muted and subtle typing experience is ideal for users seeking a quiet yet satisfying feedback while they work or game. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches make their mark with a high-pitched bottom-out sound that some typists find exhilarating, thanks to their thoughtfully designed long-pole stems and extended springs that enhance both smoothness and stability. While the Taichi may cater to those who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback with each keystroke, the Bobagum prioritizes discretion and tactile enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Taichi display distinct characteristics in their housing materials that contribute to varying sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which emphasizes a rich, deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Taichi uses a polycarbonate top housing designed to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in material results in the Bobagum delivering a warmer auditory experience while the Taichi offers a more resonant and articulate response. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate in the Taichi makes it particularly appealing for RGB lighting setups, allowing the light to shine through and create a visually striking effect.
On the bottom housing side, the Bobagum maintains its proprietary Gazzew blend, similarly described as providing a rich and deep sound profile. The Gazzew blend excels in maintaining a soft bottom housing material, which complements its top housing by reinforcing the signature warm sound. In comparison, the Bsun Taichi utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material that emphasizes a fuller, deeper sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs sound in a manner similar to the Gazzew blend. Therefore, while both switches feature softer materials in their bottom housings that contribute to a warmer auditory experience, the different top housing materials create a clear distinction in their overall sound profiles.
When considering the interaction of the top and bottom housings, the differences between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Taichi become even more pronounced. The qualities of the bottom housing predominantly influence the tactile feel and bottom-out sound when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. In the case of the Bobagum, the softness of both the top and bottom housing aligns to produce a harmonious, rich sound experience. Conversely, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Taichi allows for a unique blend of clarity and depth, offering a distinctive sound that appeals to those who prefer a brighter auditory feedback. Ultimately, while both switches may deliver enjoyable sound profiles, their differing materials cater to diverse user preferences in key feel and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the difference in their actuation and bottom out forces highlights their unique characteristics. The Bobagum features a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, but its actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to assess how it would feel during regular typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Taichi switch has a known actuation force of 40 grams, which is lighter compared to the Bobagum's bottom out force, promoting ease of keystrokes that can be beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi remains unspecified. For users valuing a lighter experience for extended use, the Taichi is preferred due to its actuation force, while users looking for a more substantial feel might lean towards the Bobagum given its higher bottom out force. Overall, the actuation dynamics suggest that while the Taichi aims for lighter engagements, the Bobagum offers a heavier sensation when fully pressed down.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch have identical travel distances, measuring 3.6 mm each. This means that users can expect a similar feel and response when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, leading to a consistent typing experience. With both switches offering the same travel distance, those who prefer one switch over the other may want to consider other factors, such as feel, sound, or actuation point, rather than the distance itself.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 considering the sound profile of the Gazzew Bobagum and Bsun Taichi linear switches, one will clearly note a significant contrast. The Bobagum switches are renowned for their nearly silent operation, producing a muted sound that minimizes the typical clacky noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them particularly suitable for environments where noise may be disruptive or undesirable. In contrast, the Taichi switches stand out with their enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is a result of their long-pole stems and extended springs. This characteristic could appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback when typing, creating a more dynamic auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switches excel with an almost 'matte' sensation that redefines smoothness. Their subtle resistance strikes a balance between being light and satisfying, offering a gentler typing experience that remains comfortable even during prolonged use. This quality makes them particularly well-suited for shared spaces, where minimal noise is important. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Taichi switches are less clear, but their design with features like extended springs and walled stems suggests they might also provide a smooth and stable typing experience, although the specifics of their tactile feedback are not known.
Taking into account the available information about both switches, the Gazzew Bobagum presents itself as an excellent choice for those who prioritize a muted sound and a unique, smooth feel, making it perfect for quiet environments and long typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Bsun Taichi may appeal to users who desire a more distinct auditory experience coupled with potentially smooth action, though more details on their tactile feedback would provide a fuller picture. Ultimately, if sound and feel are crucial to your typing experience, both switches have their strengths, and your choice will largely depend on whether you lean towards a quieter, subtler sensation or prefer a more resounding auditory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a smooth, subtle typing experience that minimizes noise—making it ideal for shared workspaces—the Bobagum switch is an excellent choice, thanks to its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and its muted sound that enhances focus without disruptive clattering. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a unique auditory experience with a pronounced, high-pitched bottom-out sound, you might find the Bsun Taichi to be more appealing. While its bottom-out force is listed as unknown, the switch's long-pole stem and extended springs promise a smooth and stable typing experience that can elevate your enjoyment of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a quiet and subtle feel with the Bobagum or a more engaging sound experience with the Taichi.
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