Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Wine Red. The Bobagum switches are known for their unique smoothness, with a texture that falls somewhere between the polished glide of ice-skating and the unlubed switches. This switch offers unparalleled tactility and a nearly silent sound profile, making it perfect for those who prefer a muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light type feel that is satisfyingly deep and rich in sound. These switches are categorized as bassy and low-pitched, adding a touch of elegance to each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Wine Red are quite distinct in terms of sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend plastic for both its top and bottom housing. This blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," offers a softness that results in a rich and deep sound. On the other hand, the Wine Red incorporates polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and resonant sound profile. While both switches provide unique tonal characteristics, the Bobagum leans towards a softer sound, whereas the Wine Red produces a more distinct and vibrant audio experience.
Additionally, the housing materials of the Bobagum and the Wine Red differ aesthetically. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend plastic is not translucent, meaning it won't allow RGB lighting to pass through. Conversely, the Wine Red's polycarbonate housing is transparent, making it ideal for those who plan to utilize RGB lighting. This translucency of polycarbonate adds an extra visual dimension to the switch when combined with illumination, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard setup. Despite the contrast in appearance, both switches offer their own distinct charm, whether it be the solid and opaque look of the Bobagum or the captivating glow created by the Wine Red.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the experience during key presses. In this regard, the Gazzew blend plastic of the Bobagum and the polycarbonate of the Wine Red have different impacts. The softer nature of the Gazzew blend plastic in the Bobagum's bottom housing contributes to a more cushioned and muffled bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Wine Red's bottom housing yields a more pronounced and vibrant bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the top housing, which is responsible for the sound when releasing a key, influences the sound profile more prominently. Whether it is the rich and deep sound delivered by the Bobagum's Gazzew blend plastic or the sharper and crisper sound produced by the Wine Red's polycarbonate, both switches offer a distinct and satisfying auditory experience upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are several notable differences. The Bobagum has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Wine Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Wine Red switch would be a better choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This can be beneficial for individuals who tend to type for extended periods of time, such as those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in long gaming sessions. The lighter weight of the Wine Red switch allows for more comfortable and effortless typing.
On the contrary, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Bobagum switch. With its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a more tactile and pronounced feedback during typing. This can be suitable for individuals who enjoy a satisfying and responsive keystroke that requires a bit more force.
It is worth mentioning that if someone desires a similar typing experience with both switches, they can adjust the actuation and bottom out forces. By carefully selecting keycaps and adjusting the typing technique, it is possible to achieve comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the Bobagum and Wine Red switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing experience and desired weight.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Bobagum offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Wine Red. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is the most traditional and offers a balanced feel, while a travel distance of 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become prevalent in recent times, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Bobagum switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In such cases, the KTT Wine Red, with its slightly longer travel distance, might be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 unique experience. These switches have a muted sound profile, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This is ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a different sound profile. These switches are described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The sound of the Wine Red switches can be characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, they are described as low-pitched, contributing to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switches redefine smoothness with their unique 'matte' feel. They offer a tactile experience that sets them apart from other switches, although it's not quite as polished as ice-skating or as textured as unlubed switches. The Bobagum switches provide a delightful glide with a gentle resistance, making them suitable for those who desire a light typing feel. Additionally, the Bobagum switches have a subtle feel, meaning they maintain a light typing feel without being overly feather-light. The sound signature of the Bobagum switches is also described as non-resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces.
Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. However, based on the information provided, it is clear that the Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light type feel. While we do not have further details, it can be assumed that the Wine Red switches provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
To summarize, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch stands out for its smoothness and tactile qualities, offering an unparalleled sense of matte smoothness and gentle resistance. These switches provide a quieter and almost silent typing experience, making them ideal for shared spaces. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a pillowy light typing feel and a deep, rich sound profile with bass tones. While more specific information about the Wine Red switches is not provided, it's likely to provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can deliver a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a smooth and almost 'matte' feel along with unparalleled tactility, then the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the way to go. These switches provide a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Bobagum switches are known for their nearly silent sound profile, making them ideal for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is a great choice. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a comfortable typing experience. The Wine Red switches offer a bassy sound profile and are low-pitched, giving your keystrokes a deeper and mellow tone. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for feel and sound.