Gazzew Bobagum vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Everglide Crystal Violet. Each switch offers unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum stands out with its smooth and 'matte' feel, providing an unparalleled level of tactility. Additionally, it offers a nearly silent typing experience, perfect for those who value a muted and subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet is known for its light operating force and relaxed tactile typing experience. The switches are crafted with precision, ensuring a gentle and comfortable feel while typing. Furthermore, the lower-pitched sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches creates a pleasant and non-intrusive auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ in their housing materials. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing, commonly known as "boba plastic." This unique blend of plastic is known for its softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Crystal Violet utilizes ABS plastic for both its top and bottom housing. While ABS is more commonly used in keycaps rather than switch housings, it offers a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Bobagum and the Crystal Violet aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience. The use of proprietary Gazzew blend in the Bobagum's housing allows for a softness that results in a distinct sound profile upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the ABS housing in the Crystal Violet provides a different sound experience, albeit with a similar low-pitched tone. Both switches prioritize delivering an enjoyable sound profile while typing, albeit through different approaches.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing material is divided between the top and bottom housing in switches that have different materials for each. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, whereas the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that in the Bobagum, the proprietary Gazzew blend in the bottom housing complements the softness of the top housing, resulting in an enhanced overall sound profile. In the Crystal Violet, the ABS material in both the top and bottom housing contributes to a consistent low-pitched sound experience throughout typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, some similarities and differences can be observed. The actuation force of the Bobagum switch is slightly heavier at 46 grams, compared to the Crystal Violet's 45 grams which makes it slightly lighter. However, both switches fall under the medium category. In terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum requires 62 grams of force, while the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force, making the Bobagum switch heavier.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Crystal Violet would be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This would be particularly suitable for individuals who use their keyboard for extended durations at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Bobagum switch would provide a more substantial push feel, offering a stronger and more tactile typing experience. This option would be preferable for those who desire a satisfying keystroke with a noticeable amount of force required.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches have a medium to medium-light range. Bottoming out force measures the amount of force required to press a key all the way down. While the exact value for the Crystal Violet's bottom out force is unknown, it falls within the medium-light range, suggesting a relatively lighter feel compared to the Bobagum's 62 grams of force required for bottoming out.
In conclusion, while the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is slightly heavier in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback for typists and gamers alike. However, individuals looking for a lighter typing experience might prefer the Crystal Violet, while those seeking a more substantial push would find the Bobagum switch more suitable.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is considered on the shorter side compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. This shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more substantial depth when pressing down on the key. Some individuals may find this longer travel distance to be more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you value quick responsiveness, the Bobagum would be a suitable option, while those seeking a deeper key press may prefer the Crystal Violet.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 is best described as producing a nearly silent sound profile. These switches are known for their muted sound, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes them ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a pleasantly mellow sound profile. These switches lean towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The use of ABS in the switch housings contributes to this unique sound. So, while the Bobagum offers a muted sound, the Crystal Violet provides a low-pitched and gentle auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is renowned for its unparalleled tactility. These switches redefine smoothness with their almost "matte" feel. While not as polished as ice-skating, they offer a texture that is neither too smooth nor too rough, resulting in a truly unique typing experience. The Bobagum switch also provides a subtle feel, with a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of the Bobagum switch is non-resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. These switches are known for their smooth and buttery feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Crystal Violet switch also has a stepped feel, meaning it provides a tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, the Bobagum provides a unique smoothness and subtle feel, while the Crystal Violet offers a creamy and stepped tactile experience.
Taking into account all the available information, it is evident that the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Bobagum switch excels in providing a nearly silent sound profile and a unique, almost "matte" feel with unparalleled smoothness. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch offers a mellow, lower-pitched sound and a creamy, stepped tactile experience. Both switches have their own merits and cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a muted and smooth typing experience, the Bobagum is an excellent choice. If you prefer a mellow sound and a creamy, stepped tactile feel, the Crystal Violet will not disappoint. While the results may differ slightly, both switches offer high-quality and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a smooth and almost silent experience, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and a unique 'matte' feel that redefines smoothness. The Bobagum switches provide unparalleled tactility and are perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, if you value a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel. The Crystal Violet switches have a light operating force of 45g, making them ideal for a more relaxed typing style. Additionally, the switches have a mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a pleasant auditory experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize smoothness and a nearly silent typing experience, the Bobagum switches are your best bet. However, if you prefer a gentle and stepped tactile feel with a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet switches will suit you perfectly. Whichever switch you choose, both offer unique qualities that will enhance your typing experience.
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