Gazzew Bobagum vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as unique options to choose from. The Bobagum boasts an unparalleled smoothness with a matte feel, offering a one-of-a-kind tactility and a nearly silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion features a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel, with a neutral sound profile that complements its overall balance. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the Thunder Shadow falls into the categories of 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Thunder Shadow play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend top and bottom housings both contribute to a rich and deep sound profile due to the softness of the proprietary plastic blend. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile from the stiffer polycarbonate and a fuller sound profile from the softer nylon. While both switches aim for a pleasing auditory experience, the Bobagum focuses on a soft and deep sound, while the Thunder Shadow emphasizes clarity and depth.
Aesthetically, the housing materials also differ between the two switches. The Gazzew Bobagum's Gazzew blend top and bottom housings might not offer the same visual appeal as the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing, known for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting. This clear housing material adds a unique flair to the Thunder Shadow switch, enhancing its overall design and providing users with the option to customize their gaming experience with vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, the Bobagum's opaque Gazzew blend housing prioritizes sound quality over visual aesthetics, catering to users who prioritize the tactile and auditory sensations of typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Thunder Shadow will depend on individual preferences for sound quality, feel, and aesthetics. While the Bobagum delivers a softer and deeper sound profile throughout, the Thunder Shadow offers a mix of sharper and crisper sounds from its polycarbonate top housing and fuller tones from its nylon bottom housing. Both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience, with each housing material influencing the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether users prioritize sound, feel, or visual appeal, the differences in housing materials between these two switches offer a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that the Bobagum has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow's unknown actuation force. However, the Thunder Shadow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Bobagum's 62 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Bobagum, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly longer than the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Bobagum may offer a slightly deeper key press sensation, while the Thunder Shadow might provide a slightly quicker actuation feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Thunder Shadow or the slightly longer travel distance of the Bobagum will depend on your personal preference for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 is known for its muted profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, striking a balance between actuation force and noise level. This means that while the Bobagum will be more discreet in shared spaces, the Thunder Shadow will be versatile enough for various environments.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a subtle typing experience with gentle resistance, maintaining a light and easy feel while typing. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating tactile feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, giving a snappy and reactive sensation while typing. The unique feel of the Bobagum offers a different typing experience compared to the more engaging feel of the Thunder Shadow, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and subtle feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing sensation with a balanced sound profile, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that will enhance your typing experience, so choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a switch that offers a unique matte smoothness with near-silent sound profile, the Bobagum may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a switch that provides a pronounced tactile bump with a balanced feel and neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow could be the better option. Overall, the Bobagum offers a subtler typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow provides a more invigorating feel. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision between these two switches.
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