Gazzew Bobagum vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Bobagum switch is best known for its smoothness and unique tactile feel. With a texture that is neither as slippery as ice-skating nor as textured as unlubed switches, the Bobagum offers an unparalleled level of tactility. Additionally, these bubblegum-colored switches provide a nearly silent sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is renowned for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to every keystroke. These switches offer a pronounced level of tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes the perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which is known for its softness and delivers a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a relatively stiffer plastic. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Bobagum. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor's top housing allows for its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
The contrasting housing materials can also be found in the bottom housing of these switches. The Bobagum uses its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with its top housing. The softness of the "boba plastic" contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor employs a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material. Nylon is relatively softer compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The absorbent nature of nylon allows it to dampen sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Bobagum.
Despite these differences, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the Bobagum or the Viola Tricolor, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel becomes apparent. On the other hand, the top housing's material will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the respective housing materials of these switches may create distinct sound profiles, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials will ultimately determine the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium level of actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum has a weight of 62 grams, while the Viola Tricolor is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering weight is important for different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Bobagum, enabling them to type for longer periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Viola Tricolor's slightly heavier forces may be more appealing.
While the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is not specified, both switches provide a medium actuation force, suggesting that users can expect similar results in that regard. Nonetheless, the varying bottom out forces highlight the distinction between the two switches, with the Viola Tricolor offering a slightly heavier experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired amount of force required.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we can see that the Bobagum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more common lately. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Bobagum with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, it is worth noting that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. In such cases, if you prefer a more substantial key feel and a greater sense of depth, the Viola Tricolor with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 offers a nearly silent typing experience. These switches have a muted sound profile, meaning they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile. These switches have a bassy and low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While the Bobagum is more on the quiet side, the Viola Tricolor adds a touch of character to your typing with its distinct sound. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch provides a unique smoothness that can be likened to a matte texture. It offers a subtle typing experience with gentle resistance, giving it a light and comfortable feel. The Bobagum switch is not overly tactile and its sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented tactile experience. It provides a pronounced amount of tactility that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle. This switch delivers an invigorating typing sensation with its moderate to firm actuation force, snappy and reactive feel. Overall, the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between being tactile and comfortable.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer contrasting qualities in both sound and feel. The Bobagum is known for its nearly silent sound profile and subtle typing experience, providing smoothness and a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with an accented tactile feel, giving it a more pronounced feedback and immersive typing sensation. Both switches have their unique appeal and it ultimately depends on the user's preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a quieter typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Bobagum switch would be a great choice for you. Its almost 'matte' feel and unparalleled tactility offer a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a touch of character and a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor switch is the way to go. Its pronounced tactility strikes a perfect balance without being overly tactile. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor offers an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, consider the sound and feel that align with your preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard switch.
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