Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with two unique options. The Bobagum switch offers a smooth and tactile experience with a matte feel, providing a silent typing experience that is truly one of a kind. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the ingenious use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, it delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both switches offer their own set of appealing features, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Gazzew blend top housing of the Bobagum provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. These differences in sound signature are essential for enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience based on their preferred sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Gazzew Bobagum utilizes the same proprietary plastic blend as its top housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing known for its smoothness, durability, and resistance to wear and shock. The POK material contributes to the overall smooth, clacky sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switches, providing a different tactile experience compared to the Bobagum switches.
While the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinct qualities, they both prioritize delivering a unique typing experience for users. Whether it's the rich and deep sound profile of the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend or the smooth and clacky sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing, enthusiasts have options to choose from based on their preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality construction and innovative housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch. The Bobagum requires 46 grams of force to actuate and 62 grams to bottom out, while the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 43 grams to actuate and 48 grams to bottom out. This means that the Bobagum provides a more substantial typing experience with a bit of resistance, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch for faster typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and weight. If a lighter touch is preferred for longer typing sessions, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be the better option. However, if a stronger push feel is desired for more tactile feedback, the Bobagum would be the ideal choice.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Bobagum switch. Overall, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, and both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a muted typing experience with a softer and quieter sound profile, perfect for those looking to minimize noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that distinguishes it from the competition, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. The choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference, with the Bobagum providing a more subdued typing sound compared to the more distinctive and unique sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
When it comes to feel, the Bobagum linear switch offers a subtle typing experience with its gentle resistance, providing a light and easy typing feel suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels seamless, effortless, and uniform. Those seeking a more tactile typing experience may lean towards the Bobagum, while those prioritizing a smooth and buttery feel may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Overall, both the Gazzew Bobagum and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum excels in providing a muted sound profile and subtle typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound signature and buttery, creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard typing experience. And, rest assured, as both switches offer a smooth typing experience, you can expect similar results in that aspect.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a nearly silent sound profile with a unique tactile feel, the Bobagum switch would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, and a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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