Gazzew Bobagum vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Bobagum is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, providing a unique 'matte' feel that strikes a delicate balance between glide and texture. Additionally, these bubblegum-colored switches are known for their nearly silent operation, making them ideal for users who prefer a muted and subtle typing experience without disturbing their surroundings. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches employ Ly stems, delivering a remarkably smooth typing sensation, but they also produce a more resonant sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while they type. While the Bobagum focuses on a hushed, textured experience, the Tomcat emphasizes a robust acoustic presence along with a smooth action. 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

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$6.50 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present an interesting study in contrasts, particularly in their respective top housings. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic," which, due to its softness, provides a rich and deep sound profile. This softness contributes to a smoother tactile experience and enhances the overall audio signature when the key is pressed and released. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is notably stiffer than the Gazzew blend. This stiffness leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, providing crisp audio feedback that is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic response, especially when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches enable effective sound performance, they achieve this through fundamentally different acoustic characteristics: the Bobagum delivering depth and richness, while the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes clarity and brightness.

The bottom housings further differentiate these two switches, with the Gazzew Bobagum again featuring its proprietary "boba plastic," and the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizing nylon. Both materials are soft, yet their sound profiles diverge; nylon is renowned for imparting a deeper and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb sound more effectively than stiffer alternatives. Consequently, the Bobagum's bottom housing complements its top housing by contributing to an overall lush auditory experience, while the Tomcat's nylon base reinforces its sharper top housing to provide a more distinct bottom-out sound combined with a rounder overall tone. This choice in materials highlights each switch's unique approach to sound design; while both may deliver pleasing audio qualities, the nature of their bottom housings influences the user experience differently.

Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing in both switches illustrates how they coexist to produce overall sound attributes. For the Gazzew Bobagum, the soft top and bottom components create a blended audio experience that melds richness with depth, making it particularly appealing for those who favor softer sounds. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)'s contrasting materials lead to a more isolated sound profile, with clear delineations between the bottom-out feel and the release sound. To achieve similar results with each switch, users might experiment with switching out or customizing parts since the character of the sound profiles is markedly influenced by how the top and bottom housings interact. Thus, while they start with different material foundations, both can ultimately deliver satisfying auditory experiences tailored to user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Bobagum has an actuation force that remains unspecified, but its bottom out force is measured at 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This indicates that the Tomcat demands more force to actuate a keystroke and to bottom out, resulting in a heavier typing experience. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extensive typing or prolonged gaming, the Bobagum is likely the better choice; however, those who enjoy the substantial feel of a heavier switch should gravitate towards the Tomcat. Overall, while the Bobagum's unknown actuation force makes a direct comparison difficult, the clear distinction in bottom out forces suggests that users will experience varying tactile feedback based on their switch preference.

Travel distance

Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar tactile feedback and key feel. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can anticipate a comparable typing experience regardless of their choice between these two options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch boasts a muted profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. This softer sound minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for shared or close quarters. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch features a resonant sound profile. While the specifics of this resonance are not detailed, it's generally associated with a more pronounced and potentially louder typing experience. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum linear switch offers a unique tactile experience characterized by its 'matte' texture. This provides an exceptional smoothness that doesn't resemble the slickness of polished switches but rather gives a more refined and gentle resistance. This subtle yet comfortable feel allows for long typing sessions without fatigue, further complemented by its non-resonant sound signature. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is equipped with Ly stems that contribute to a super smooth typing experience. However, specific details on the tactile feedback and resistance of the Tomcat (Heavy) are not provided, leaving some uncertainty about how it compares directly with the Bobagum.

Overall, while both the Gazzew Bobagum and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches deliver excellent smoothness, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Bobagum excels in creating a muted, gentle typing environment suitable for shared spaces, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more resonant sound that may be preferred by users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a quieter, subdued typing experience or a switch that delivers a more pronounced sound. Each switch presents unique qualities that will appeal to different users, ensuring that both can deliver satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, your personal typing preferences and environment play a crucial role. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams that offers a smooth, almost 'matte' feel while typing, the Bobagum might be your ideal choice. Its muted sound profile makes it especially suitable for shared spaces or quiet environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, if you enjoy typing with a bit more resistance and a heavier bottom-out force of 64 grams, the Tomcat (Heavy) could be the better option for you. With a resonant sound profile and the Ly stems providing a super smooth experience, this switch can be appealing for those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style and the setting in which you'll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more