Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Type L

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Type L both offer enticing options for enthusiasts, yet they cater to slightly different preferences. The Bobagum switches are celebrated for their unique, almost 'matte' texture, providing a typing experience that balances smoothness with a pleasant tactile feel. Their near-silent operation makes them ideal for quiet environments, and they appeal to those who appreciate a subtle yet refined interaction. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L distinguishes itself with its remarkably lightweight actuation, requiring just 45g of force to bottom out, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a feather-light touch. The Type L's sound profile leans towards a deeper tone, adding a rich acoustic experience that can enhance typing pleasure. While both switches are linear and offer smooth performance, your choice might depend on whether you prioritize smooth tactile feedback and quietness with the Bobagum, or lightweight and slightly deeper acoustics with the Type L. 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

Gateron Type L Linear

$6.50 per 10

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Type L share similarities in their approach to sound quality and tactile response, primarily due to their use of materials that promote a soft and rich auditory experience. The Bobagum employs a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings, which lends a distinct depth to the sound profile due to its inherent softness. This allows for a muted tone that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type L utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, a traditional material recognized for its sound-absorbing properties. Like the Bobagum's blend, nylon is relatively soft, contributing to a fuller and deeper sound when typing, thereby highlighting the close parallels between the two.

However, despite the shared softness in material composition, the Bobagum's proprietary blend and Gateron's nylon differ in their histories and specific acoustic qualities. While both materials are soft and result in deeper sounds, the unique formulation of the Bobagum's "boba plastic" may introduce a distinct character that can further differentiate the tactile and auditory feedback of the switch. In terms of construction, the nylon used in the Type L is more conventional and might not exhibit the same nuanced characteristics as the Bobagum's proprietary blend. This subtle variance in material can impact the overall user experience, even when both switches produce a similarly rich sound.

Moreover, the distribution of sound quality between the top and bottom housings can also influence overall performance. In both switches, the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Each material's properties can alter the sensation felt while pressing down on the key, although users may not immediately perceive this difference when focusing solely on sound. For instance, the softer characteristics of the Bobagum's housing may provide a different tactile feedback when bottoming out compared to the Type L’s nylon. Thus, while both switches promise rich auditory experiences due to their soft plastic compositions, the variances in proprietary blends vs. traditional materials and their tactile interactions present an interesting dynamic for enthusiasts considering their typing preferences.

Weight

The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has an unknown actuation force, which makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding how easily it can register a keystroke. However, its bottom out force is 55 grams, which categorizes it as medium-light and suggests a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Type L features a defined actuation force of 38 grams, making it notably lighter, and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter force may be beneficial for users who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. Therefore, while the Bobagum is likely to provide a heavier and potentially more tactile experience given its unknown actuation force alongside a higher bottom out, the Type L offers a more accessible entry point for those who favor a lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in key feel and responsiveness. The Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter of the two options, while the Type L features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional range and provides a bit more depth. For gamers or users who prioritize speed and quick response times, the Bobagum's shorter travel distance may offer the desired rapid actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial keypress may find the Type L more satisfying due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for either a more responsive feel or a deeper, more robust typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch leans towards a near-silent operation, characterized by a muted tonal quality. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise minimization is preferred, as its sound profile creates a soft backdrop to your typing rather than drawing attention. In contrast, the Gateron Type L presents a more neutral sound that dips into the subdued category. While it isn't completely quiet, it produces a moderate sound signature, making it versatile for various settings—whether at home, in an office, or elsewhere. Although the Type L's sound can add a bit more character to keystrokes, both switches offer a more discreet auditory experience than many of their clackier counterparts.

As for feel, the Bobagum is known for its distinctively smooth, almost matte texture that provides a unique typing experience. This switch has a subtle resistance, making typing comfortable while maintaining enough feedback to feel engaged without being overwhelming. The Bobagum is ideal for those looking for a gentle keypress that doesn't distract from the task at hand. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L boasts a feathery feel with an exceptionally light actuation force. This quality minimizes the effort required to press each key, thus reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Its easy-to-press nature promotes quick, responsive keystrokes, making it particularly suitable for gaming and extended use. Both switches are designed for comfort, but while the Bobagum provides a more textured experience, the Type L emphasizes effortless key presses.

In summary, both the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Type L linear switches cater to users looking for smooth and subtle typing experiences, yet they present different characteristics. The Bobagum excels in sound dampening and offers a unique matte feel, while the Type L prioritizes ease of actuation and delivers a moderate auditory experience. Depending on your typing preferences—whether you favor a muted sound or a lighter key press—either switch can provide a satisfying experience, showing that even subtle differences can influence your mechanical keyboard journey.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Type L linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use cases. If you value a medium-light bottom-out force and seek an unparalleled typing feel characterized by muted sounds and an almost matte texture, the Bobagum is an excellent choice. It provides a smooth experience with subtle resistance, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimized, such as shared spaces or professional settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force for effortless typing with a deeper sound signature and a feathery touch, the Gateron Type L may be the right fit for you. Its light bottom-out force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, studying, or work, as it reduces finger fatigue and allows for a comfortable, responsive experience. In summary, choose the Bobagum for a refined, quieter typing experience or the Type L for a more playful, easy-press feel; both switches offer distinct benefits catering to different preferences and typing styles.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

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Gateron Type L Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more