Gazzew Bobagum vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique experiences are the Gazzew Bobagum, a linear switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch. The Bobagum switches are renowned for their smoothness, providing an almost 'matte' feel that differs from the typical glide of ice-skating or the texture of unlubed switches. This unique smoothness is accompanied by a remarkable level of tactility, offering a typing experience like no other. Additionally, these bubblegum-colored switches provide a nearly silent sound profile, perfect for those seeking a more muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a cozy and comfortable typing experience with a delightful color scheme to match. They provide a medium-level of tactility, resulting in snappy key presses that produce acute and crisp clacks. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped', these switches are an excellent choice for individuals who desire a tactile feedback while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the most suitable 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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Jwick Taro have contrasting housing materials that greatly impact the sound profiles of these switches. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which creates a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Taro features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Furthermore, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While the Bobagum's soft Gazzew blend delivers a softer and warmer sound experience, the Taro's polycarbonate offers a brighter and more dynamic audio profile.
Similarly, the housing materials for the bottom portions of the switches also differ between the Bobagum and the Taro. The Bobagum employs its proprietary Gazzew blend, which maintains its softness to achieve a rich and deep sound. Conversely, the Taro incorporates nylon in its bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. Therefore, while the Bobagum's soft Gazzew blend provides a more gentle and mellow typing experience, the Taro's nylon brings about a more robust and resonant sound.
When it comes to using these switches, the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in creating different sound profiles. The bottom housing significantly affects the sound and feel when the key reaches the bottom, known as the bottom-out sound. In this regard, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend or the Taro's nylon will have a substantial impact. On the other hand, the sound when the key is released, known as the sound on release, will be influenced mainly by the top housing. Therefore, although the housing materials may differ, each switch's distinctive qualities are still experienced through the corresponding housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are several noteworthy differences. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the Taro's actuation force is currently unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for office or gaming use. However, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier force. In terms of weight, the Bobagum is lighter than the Taro, as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force.
It is worth noting that while the actuation force for the Taro is unknown, the bottom out force is heavier than that of the Bobagum. This means that although the force required to initially trigger a keystroke may be different, both switches will provide a similar experience once fully pressed down. Thus, users who prefer a medium to medium-heavy switch will likely find satisfaction with either the Bobagum or Taro, depending on their specific preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both of these distances are relatively close and fall within the range of shorter travel distances. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Bobagum linear switch would be a suitable choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who enjoy a deeper key press, the Taro tactile switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum switches are best known for their nearly silent profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, resulting in a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches have a neutral sound profile, falling in the moderate range. This means they have a moderate level of sound when typing on them. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, if you want a quieter experience, the Bobagum switches are the way to go, while the Taro switches provide a more moderate sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switches offer a unique tactile experience. They have a smooth and subtle resistance, giving a gentle sense of feedback while typing. The typing sensation is light, but not feather-light, and the switch's sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches provide a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke feel, giving a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switches are described as stepped, meaning they have two stages of tactile feedback. This can be contrasted with hypertactile switches, where the entire keystroke is one big bump. The stepped feel of the Taro switches offers a more mild tactile experience, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum and Jwick Taro switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switches provide a nearly silent sound profile and a subtle tactile feel, offering a unique, smooth, and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switches have a neutral sound profile, falling in the moderate range, and provide a buttery and stepped tactile experience, giving a seamless and mild tactile feedback. Based on this information, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth, subtle tactile feel, the Bobagum switches would be a great choice. Conversely, if you prefer a moderate sound profile with a fluid and mildly tactile typing experience, the Taro switches would be the way to go. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and it is always recommended to try out different switches to find your personal favorite.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a smooth and almost 'matte' feel with unparalleled tactility, along with a nearly silent sound profile, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, making them suitable for most users. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy typing experience with snappy, medium-level tactility and acute and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is the better choice. These switches have a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel. In terms of sound, the Bobagum is described as muted, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, while the Taro has a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes. For the feel, the Bobagum offers a subtle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it ideal for shared spaces. The Taro, on the other hand, provides a buttery and stepped typing sensation, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your specific preferences for feel and sound.
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