Gazzew Bobagum vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Xinhai stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Bobagum offers a unique smoothness with a matte feel, providing unparalleled tactility and almost silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai boasts a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, offering a blend of sophistication and precise performance. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the Xinhai is classified as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. Each switch has its own set of qualities that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Xinhai both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Xinhai features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the Bobagum's blend provides a more mellow tone, the Xinhai's polycarbonate offers a more defined and resonant sound. Both materials have their own strengths in terms of sound quality, with the Gazzew blend emphasizing softness and richness, while the polycarbonate focuses on clarity and sharpness.
The difference between the Bobagum's blend and the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing also extends to their bottom housings. The Bobagum's bottom housing, made of the same Gazzew blend as the top, continues to deliver a rich and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Xinhai utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness. This means that the Bobagum maintains its consistency in sound profile from top to bottom, while the Xinhai offers a blend of sharper tones from the top and fuller tones from the bottom. Both materials contribute to the overall sound experience of the switch, with the Gazzew blend focusing on a softer and more rounded sound, while the nylon provides a deeper and fuller tone.
While the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Xinhai have contrasting housing materials, they both play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Gazzew blend's softness creates a rich and deep sound, while the polycarbonate and nylon in the Xinhai offer sharper and fuller tones, respectively. Despite their differences, both materials contribute to enhancing the overall sound quality of the switches. Whether it's the softness of the Gazzew blend or the absorbent nature of nylon, each housing material brings its own unique characteristics to create a distinct typing experience. In the end, choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum and the HMX Xinhai comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bobagum has a higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the lighter 37 grams of the Xinhai. In terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum also requires more force at 62 grams compared to the 45 grams needed for the Xinhai. This means that the Bobagum offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the lighter feel of the Xinhai. Some users may prefer the Bobagum for a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the Xinhai for a smoother and lighter feel. In either case, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Bobagum has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may not be very noticeable in practical use, so you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 muted experience, providing a softer and quieter typing sound that is ideal for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a more pronounced and percussive typing sound. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, the Bobagum will give a more subtle and muted typing experience, while the Xinhai will offer a louder and more distinct sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew Bobagum switch is known for its subtle tactility, offering a gentle resistance that is not overly pronounced but still provides a satisfying typing feel. It also ensures a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with a rebound effect when pressed. Additionally, it is noted to have a creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation as you glide your fingers across the keys.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum provides a muted sound profile and subtle tactility, while the Xinhai offers a clacky sound and bouncy feel with a creamy typing experience. Depending on your preference for typing sound and feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard. With both switches, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the level of bottom-out force that works best for you. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, along with a unique 'matte' smoothness and nearly silent sound profile, then the Bobagum may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, along with a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, then the Xinhai could be the perfect fit. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to further guide your decision-making process. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, so carefully consider your preferences and typing style before making your choice.
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