Gazzew Bobagum vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew Bobagum and Gateron Weightlessness stand out for distinctly different reasons. The Bobagum, a linear switch, redefines smoothness with an almost matte texture, providing an exceptionally unique typing experience that feels neither polished nor gritty. This switch is designed for those who prefer a muted and subtle sound, making it ideal for quiet environments or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile feel that strikes a balance between subtle and moderate feedback, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfying bump while maintaining a balanced sound profile. This switch caters to typists who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes without overwhelming noise. Both switches have their respective advantages, making them appealing to different types of users; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Gateron Weightlessness, it is essential to note that both have qualities that contribute positively to their overall sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary blend of plastics known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings, which is designed to be softer. This softness helps produce a rich and deep sound profile that enriches the typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is also a softer plastic, leading to a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials absorb sound effectively, implying that even though their compositions differ, they both yield a similar auditory richness due to their inherent softness.
While the Gazzew Bobagum's use of its proprietary "boba plastic" offers a unique touch, the Gateron Weightlessness relies on traditional nylon to achieve a comparable effect. The acoustics produced by both switches stem from the absorption capabilities of their respective materials. When bottoming out, typists will notice that the sound characteristics produced result from the bottom housing, which in both cases, contributes to a muted yet satisfying keystroke. On release, the top housing of each switch will influence the sound produced, ensuring a harmonious blend of auditory feedback from both the top and bottom housing materials in each switch.
Ultimately, despite the differing specific materials used in the Bobagum and the Weightlessness, the principle remains consistent: softer plastics enhance the overall sound profile by absorbing noise and creating a more pleasant keystroke experience. Whether through the proprietary "boba plastic" of the Bobagum or the classic nylon of the Weightlessness, both switches demonstrate that the qualities of their housing materials coalesce to yield a similar auditory result. This makes both switches appealing to users who prioritize a rich typing experience, regardless of the material distinctions.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present a distinct contrast in their actuation forces, with the Bobagum having an undefined actuation force and the Weightlessness operating at 50 grams. This indicates that the Weightlessness requires a moderate amount of force to initiate a keystroke, while the Bobagum's actuation threshold remains unknown. However, both switches feature a bottom out force, with the Bobagum rated at 55 grams and the Weightlessness's bottom out force being unavailable. This suggests that while we know the Bobagum has a medium-light feel—indicating it may be more comfortable for extended periods of typing or gaming—the Weightlessness’s familiarity may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile experience. As a result, for users seeking lighter switches, the Bobagum could be the preferred choice, while those who favor a more substantial feel may find the Weightlessness more enticing, despite the ambiguity surrounding its bottoming out dynamics.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm positions the Bobagum as the option with a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feel during key presses. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness switch aligns with the growing trend of compact switches favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Those who appreciate a deeper actuation may find the Bobagum's longer travel distance more satisfying, while users who prioritize speed may prefer the Weightlessness. If one desires the control of a longer travel distance, the Bobagum would be the better choice; however, if rapid execution is the priority, the Weightlessness might be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 stands out with its muted profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This can make it an excellent choice for those who work in shared spaces or simply prefer a quieter environment. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch are less defined in the available data, but its balanced sound profile is noted, suggesting that while it may have a distinct auditory experience, it is likely not as subdued as the Bobagum.
Regarding feel, the Bobagum switch offers a unique experience characterized by its subtle resistance, providing a gentle typing experience that balances lightness with enough feedback for a satisfying interaction. This makes the Bobagum ideal for users who enjoy smooth key presses without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the tactile nature of the Weightlessness switch introduces a more defined bump, although the specifics of its tactile quality are unspecified. However, it is generally understood that tactile switches provide a distinct feedback feel, which contrasts with the Bobagum's smoothness, offering a different typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum switch excels in providing a muted sound and a subtle yet smooth feel, making it suitable for users seeking quiet operation without sacrificing comfort. The Gateron Weightlessness, while offering a moderate tactile experience that might be more engaging, has less clarity regarding its sound profile. Choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference: if you favor a nearly silent, smooth typing experience, the Bobagum is exceptional; if you prefer a tactile feedback without specific sound traits defined, the Weightlessness may still provide an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities catering to different user needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a switch that provides an incredibly smooth typing experience with a subtle texture and nearly silent operation, the Bobagum is an excellent choice. Its medium-light force of 55 grams makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, and its muted sound profile ensures that you can work comfortably in shared spaces or at night without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback that offers a gentle but noticeable bump, the Gateron Weightlessness is the way to go. Its subtle to moderate tactile feel paired with a balanced sound profile makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, providing you with satisfying feedback while still maintaining a quieter environment. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important for your typing style: if you prefer a smooth, silent experience, opt for the Bobagum; if you enjoy a tactile sensation with balanced acoustics, go for the Weightlessness.
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