Gazzew Bobagum vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew Bobagum and Wuque Studio WS Dash each offer distinct features that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Bobagum, known for its unique 'matte' feel, provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience that sits comfortably between the extremes of gliding and texture, resulting in a nearly silent sound profile that is perfect for quiet environments or office settings. In contrast, the WS Dash switch introduces a vibrant and clacky sound signature, paired with a silky smooth keystroke, which appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The Bobagum switches are ideal for users who prioritize subtlety and tranquility, whereas the WS Dash caters to those who thrive on the excitement of sound with each keystroke. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, significant differences emerge that influence the auditory experience of each switch. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, often dubbed "boba plastic." This choice of material contributes to a sound profile that is rich and deep, a result of the plastic's inherent softness. In contrast, the WS Dash employs polycarbonate for its top housing. Known for its rigidity, polycarbonate produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisper and clearer than that of the Gazzew blend. Consequently, the two switch options cater to different preferences in terms of sound quality; while the Bobagum provides a more subdued auditory experience, the WS Dash emphasizes clarity and resonance.
The bottom housing materials also exhibit notable differences that affect the overall sound profile of the switches. The Bobagum utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing as well, maintaining a consistent deep and rich sound characteristic throughout. In juxtaposition, the WS Dash features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for absorbing sound and producing a deeper, fuller acoustic experience. This difference highlights an important aspect of switch design: while the top housing primarily influences the sound during key release, the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. This means that despite the Bobagum's focus on an overall richer sound, the WS Dash can offer a more rounded and muffled experience due to the properties of nylon.
Despite their distinct materials, achieving a mix of sound qualities can still be possible with these two switches. For those who appreciate the deep resonance of the Bobagum but also value the clarity of the WS Dash, using a combination of the proprietary Gazzew blend and nylon can yield pleasing results. By selecting a switch with a Gazzew bottom housing and a polycarbonate or nylon top housing, one may enjoy the benefits of both materials—melding the soft richness of the Gazzew blend from the bottom with the clear and resonant properties of polycarbonate or nylon from the top. Thus, while the individual materials may differ, creating a hybrid setup allows for a customized auditory experience reflective of both switches' strengths.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are the same. The Bobagum has an unknown actuation force, yet it features a bottom out force of 55 grams, which classifies it as medium-light. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, paired with the same bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that, in practice, the WS Dash will require less force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Bobagum, with its heavier feel (due to its unknown actuation force potentially being higher than 30 grams), may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while their bottom out forces align, the WS Dash is the lighter option, enhancing long-duration usability, whereas the Bobagum may offer a heavier tactile feedback for users who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Bobagum offers a bit more travel, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress experience with added depth. In contrast, the WS Dash's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more immediate feedback. While both switches are closer to the shorter end of the travel spectrum—especially compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance—the Bobagum provides a little more length for those who enjoy a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 is characterized by its notably muted acoustics, providing a quieter typing experience compared to more traditional or clacky switches. This subdued sound profile makes it ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority, ensuring that you won’t disrupt those around you while typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch offers a distinctly brighter sound signature that leans towards a clacky tone, which can introduce an engaging auditory experience during use. Keep in mind, however, that the overall sound will also depend on factors such as the keyboard construction and chosen keycaps, meaning your final experience may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch stands out with its almost 'matte' texture that strikes a unique balance between smoothness and a slight tactile resistance. This results in a typing feel that is gentle yet satisfying, suitable for extended typing sessions without inducing fatigue. Meanwhile, the WS Dash switch promises a silky smooth keystroke, often accompanied by a more noticeable feedback feel characteristic of hall effect switches. Although lacking specific descriptors, it can be inferred that the overall experience would be different compared to the nuanced resistance of the Bobagum.
In conclusion, while both switches offer distinctively different auditory and tactile experiences, choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear and the Wuque Studio WS Dash largely depends on personal preference. If you value a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Bobagum might be your best option. Conversely, if you seek a lively and bright sound with a silky keystroke, the WS Dash will likely resonate with you. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results, but the nuances in their sound and feel will cater to different typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, your decision will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you work. If you prioritize a smooth, muted typing experience with subtle resistance and minimal sound—a great option for shared spaces or quiet environments—the Bobagum switch is an excellent choice. Its unique texture offers that special "almost matte" feel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable keystroke without drawing attention. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dynamic typing experience with a bright, clacky sound signature and a silky smooth keystroke, particularly if you're using a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, the WS Dash is your go-to switch. This switch provides a distinctive character that can enhance your gaming or typing experience, making it fun and engaging. Ultimately, consider the context of your usage and your personal preferences—be it a muted, subtle touch with the Bobagum or a lively, resonant feel with the WS Dash—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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