Gazzew Bobagum vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Yunhai switches each present unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Bobagum switches are revered for their exceptional smoothness, providing a distinctive 'matte' feel that strikes a balance between slippery and textured. With a nearly silent typing experience, they excel in environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches stand out with their deep, rounded sound profile and very light actuation force, offering a typing experience that feels both gentle and effortless, making them an attractive option for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback. While the Bobagum appeals to users seeking a discreet and refined feel, the Yunhai is ideal for typists looking for a soft touch that enhances typing comfort. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the TTC Yunhai switches present some interesting comparisons and contrasts, particularly in terms of sound profile and material composition. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary blend of what is referred to as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This blend is noted for its softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Yunhai opts for nylon, a more traditional material celebrated for its ability to absorb sound effectively. Despite the difference in material names, both the Bobagum's proprietary blend and the Yunhai's nylon demonstrate softness, enabling them to create a similar deeper and fuller typing experience that enhances sound absorption.
While both switches aim for a deep sound profile, their varying materials imply different tactile experiences during use. The Bobagum's proprietary blend is intentionally designed to provide a rich acoustic quality inherently linked to its unique formulation. This proprietary nature may yield distinct sound characteristics when compared to the more conventional nylon used in the Yunhai. Nevertheless, both switches exhibit a softened touch; when pressed, the Bobagum may feel slightly different due to its unique plastic blend, while the Yunhai's well-established nylon quality provides a familiar feel that many typists appreciate. The contrasting materials play a role in the overall switch performance, especially in how sound resonates when the key is actuated or released.
Finally, the impact of each housing on sound can be understood through their design: the bottom housing tends to dictate the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing influences the release sound. In this context, both the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Yunhai will likely yield similar acoustic results despite their material differences, given that both employ softer plastics for sound absorption. Thus, while their components diverge in name and formulation, users may find them comparably effective at producing the enriched auditory experience that is sought after in modern mechanical keyboard switches. The choice between the two ultimately may boil down to preference in material feel rather than fundamental performance differences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Bobagum has an unspecified actuation force, but its bottom out force is measured at 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Yunhai boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which places it firmly in the light category. This means that while the Bobagum could potentially require more effort to actuate, we cannot directly compare the actuation force since it is unknown. However, in terms of bottoming out, the Bobagum requires more force compared to the Yunhai. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Yunhai would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may find the Bobagum preferable, albeit without a specific actuation force to consider. Overall, the Bobagum is generally the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar tactile response when pressing down on the keys. With both switches having an identical travel distance, this results in a consistent feel during keypresses, allowing for a comparable typing experience. As a result, users can expect the same level of keystroke travel from either switch, making them suitable alternatives for those who prioritize uniformity in their keyboard experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 is known for its muted acoustic profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to the more common mechanical switches that often have a clacky sound. This makes it a suitable option for users who need a quieter typing environment, such as shared spaces or offices. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch's sound characteristics are not specifically described, so it's uncertain whether it can match the Bobagum's muted qualities in practice. However, one can anticipate that factors such as board choice and keycap material will significantly influence the overall sound experience of the Yunhai switches.
Turning to the feel, the Bobagum switch shines with its unique combination of smoothness and subtlety. The switch provides an almost matte sensation, straddling the line between being overly slick and slightly textured, which contributes to a gentle typing experience. Additionally, its gentle resistance ensures that it feels light without being overly sensitive, making it ideal for those who type frequently. The TTC Yunhai switch is likewise designed to provide an incredibly light actuation force, catering to typists who prefer an effortless feel. While both switches are engineered for a satisfying typing experience, the absence of detailed descriptions for the Yunhai regarding finger resistance and tactile feedback leaves some ambiguity regarding how they compare in terms of actual feel.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew Bobagum and TTC Yunhai linear switches offer unique benefits tailored to different user preferences. The Bobagum is celebrated for its muted sound and subtle yet smooth feel, making it a strong contender for quiet typing environments. Meanwhile, the Yunhai is crafted for a lighter touch, ideal for typists seeking ease of use. While their sound profiles vary, the results one might achieve through either switch hinge significantly on personal preference, typing style, and the overall setup, including the keyboard and keycap choices. Ultimately, both switches promise a pleasant typing experience, though the Bobagum may have a slight edge in noise reduction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a typing experience that accentuates smoothness and offers a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the Bobagum would be your best bet. Its muted sound profile and subtle feel make it an excellent choice for shared spaces or quiet environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the TTC Yunhai will serve you well, especially if you enjoy a gentle and effortless typing experience complemented by a deeper sound signature. This makes the Yunhai particularly appealing for those who appreciate a more engaging auditory feedback while typing, while still wanting a keyboard that doesn’t require too much effort. Therefore, it's essential to weigh these factors: choose Bobagum for a smooth, quiet, and subtle typing feel, and opt for Yunhai for a lighter engagement with a satisfying sound.
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