Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gazzew Bobagum
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew Bobagum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew Bobagum offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green is characterized by a clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Bobagum switches boast an unprecedented smoothness with an almost "matte" feel and a one-of-a-kind tactility. While the Bamboo Green switches offer a high-pitched and accented typing experience, the Bobagum switches provide a muted and subtle sound profile. For those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a distinct audible response, the Bamboo Green switches might be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with minimal noise, the Bobagum switches would be a great fit. 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
43g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew Bobagum have notable differences and similarities. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile and is neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the Bobagum employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing. This unique plastic blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both housing materials contribute to the overall sound of the switch, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend top housing seems to excel in delivering a more distinct and immersive auditory experience compared to the Bamboo Green's PBT top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew Bobagum continue to showcase variations in their design. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT bottom housing, which also offers a neutral sound profile. Similarly to the top housing, the Bobagum's bottom housing incorporates their proprietary Gazzew blend. This blend, known for its softness, contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. As with the top housing, the Bobagum's bottom housing seems to provide more of a noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch compared to the Bamboo Green's PBT counterpart.
Despite their differences, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew Bobagum housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound of the switch. The Bamboo Green's PBT top and bottom housings contribute to a more neutral sound profile, while the Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings result in a deeper and more immersive sound experience. Although the materials and their specific qualities differ, pressing down on either switch will allow you to feel the impact of the bottom housing, while the sound when you let go of a key will be influenced by the top housing. Consequently, while the materials vary, similar results can be achieved in terms of the tactile and auditory aspects of using these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch to the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation forces. The Bamboo Green requires a force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Bobagum requires slightly more at 46 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when pressing all the way down.
In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the Bamboo Green may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience. This lighter force allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue, making it suitable for those using the keyboard for work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Bobagum may provide a more substantial and satisfying push feel for users who prefer a stronger typing experience.
While the actuation forces of the two switches differ slightly, they both share the same bottom out force. Therefore, if a user is primarily concerned with the feeling of pressing all the way down, they can expect similar results from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch will come down to personal preference regarding the desired actuation force and the overall typing experience one seeks to achieve.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This can be appealing for gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter travel distances are known to provide quick feedback. However, for individuals who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the Everglide Bamboo Green may be the better choice due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is best known for its clacky sound signature. It produces a high-pitched and resonant sound when pressed, resulting in a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a nearly silent sound profile. Described as muted, these bubblegum-colored switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, 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 chosen.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch provides a stepped and accented tactile experience. This means that the switch has two stages, with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. It offers a medium amount of tactility that stands out without being overwhelming or subtle. The tactile feedback is sharp and intense, providing a distinct sensation with each keypress. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a more subtle feel. It has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. The tactile feedback is not as pronounced as with the Bamboo Green, but it still provides a satisfying typing experience. This switch is suitable for shared spaces as it produces a non-resonant sound signature, minimizing disturbances to those around you.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green provides a clacky sound with a high-pitched and resonant profile. It offers a stepped, accented, and sharp tactile feel that is suitable for those who prefer a prominent and intense tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Bobagum switch offers a nearly silent sound profile and a more subtle tactile experience. It has a gentle resistance and produces a non-resonant sound, making it suitable for shared spaces. Overall, both switches provide unique qualities, allowing users to choose their preferred sound and feel for an exceptional typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, it is best suited for those who enjoy a clacky sound signature and a crisp and sparkling tactility. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and provide a stepped and accented feel with a sharp and polished finish. However, if you prefer a nearly silent sound profile and a unique matte smoothness, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is the better choice. These bubblegum-colored switches also have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, but offer a muted sound and a subtle typing feel. Overall, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a clacky sound and prominent tactility or a quiet typing experience with a smooth and gentle touch.
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