Gazzew Bobagum vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Vintage Citrus both present unique advantages tailored to different typing and gaming experiences. The Bobagum switches excel with their smooth, almost matte feel that delivers an unparalleled typing experience, perfect for those who value a subtler, more muted sound profile. These bubblegum-hued switches are an ideal choice for typists seeking a serene yet satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an incredibly low actuation force that allows for rapid-fire inputs, while also delivering a bright and clacky sound that many find exhilarating during fast-paced gameplay. Each switch has distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences—whether you prioritize a quiet, smooth typing feel or the thrill of responsive, high-speed actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Vintage Citrus switches both utilize materials that enhance the auditory experience during typing, yet they exhibit notable differences in their housing compositions. The Bobagum features a proprietary blend of plastics, colloquially known as "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housings. This unique formulation is designed to produce a rich and deep sound profile, attributed to its softness. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus opts for traditional nylon housing, which is also recognized for its muting properties, delivering a rounded and fuller sound. While both switches use softer materials to achieve quality auditory results, the specific compositions of the Gazzew blend and nylon variedly influence the overall sound.
Examining the bottom housing components further reveals the differences in sound characteristics and performance. The Bobagum's bottom housing, which shares the same proprietary "boba plastic," ensures that the switch’s bottoming-out experience retains that rich sound profile. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus employs nylon for its bottom housing, which similarly provides a certain level of sound absorption and depth. Despite the similarities in the function of these materials, the nuanced variations in properties can lead to distinct tactile and auditory feedback—attributes that typists often hold in high regard.
In practice, the differing materials may lead to unique user experiences; however, both switches could still yield comparable sound profiles under similar conditions due to their inherent softness. If you were to use both switches in a keyboard, one could effectively blend the auditory cues fostered by the two different housing materials, potentially achieving a balanced typing experience. The interaction between the softer plastics in the top and bottom housings presents a dual-layered quality to the switches, enriching the overall sound, regardless of the specific material used in each housing. Ultimately, while the Bobagum and Vintage Citrus employ different materials, their shared emphasis on softness creates a pathway for achieving satisfying sound profiles during use.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Bobagum has an unspecified actuation force, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in that regard. However, its bottom out force is measured at 55 grams. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a more defined actuation force of 48 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This places the Vintage Citrus as the lighter option, ideal for those who prefer a more manageable typing experience, especially during extended use. On the other hand, the Bobagum's heavier bottom out force provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, while both switches fall under the medium-light category, the Vintage Citrus offers specific actuation force data and a lighter press, while the Bobagum's heavier bottom out force may suit those desiring a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Bobagum features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the more shallow option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times as it could facilitate faster key presses. In contrast, the Bobagum, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Thus, your choice between these two switches can greatly affect your typing or gaming experience depending on whether you value speed or depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 characterized by its muted acoustic profile, allowing for a softer typing experience that minimizes the clattering noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it a suitable choice for environments where noise may be an issue. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch produces a bright, clacky sound, which can create a more lively auditory experience, especially favored by gamers who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keypress. However, this vibrant sound might not be suitable for quiet settings. It's worth noting that the sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard's build and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a unique matte sensation, achieving an unmatched smoothness that stands apart from both slick and unlubed switches. Its subtle resistance provides a gentle push without feeling overbearing, making it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. This quality enhances its usability in shared spaces, as the non-resonant sound signature minimizes distractions. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, specifically catering to gamers looking for rapid inputs. Its smooth push feel is designed for quick and decisive actions, ideal for fast-paced gaming, though the specifics of its tactile feedback are not detailed.
Overall, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Bobagum excels in providing a muted sound profile and a subtle, smooth typing experience, making it a great option for office environments or quieter settings. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus appeals to gamers with its clacky sound and rapid actuation, enhancing performance during intense gameplay. Each switch delivers a distinct typing experience, and your final decision should reflect whether you prioritize sound dampening or the lively auditory feedback suited for gaming scenarios.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you seek a typing experience characterized by smoothness and a muted sound, the Bobagum switch is your go-to option. Its nearly silent operation and subtle resistance make it particularly suitable for shared workspaces or quieter environments, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you are a gamer or someone who prioritizes rapid performance and tactile feedback, the Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its extraordinarily low actuation force and bright, clacky sound profile. This makes it ideal for rapid-fire inputs and enhances the overall gaming experience. Therefore, consider how you plan to use your keyboard: for a serene, smooth typing experience, opt for the Bobagum; for a lively, responsive gaming setup, the Vintage Citrus is likely your best choice.
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