Gazzew Bobagum vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer unique experiences for users. The Bobagum switches are known for their smooth and tactile feel, providing an almost 'matte' sensation that is unparalleled in the world of linear switches. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a solid and responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, catering to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback. While the Bobagum switches are described as 'muted' and 'subtle', the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are categorized as 'bouncy', 'clacky', 'creamy', 'polished', 'resonant', and 'silky'. Both switches are ideal for different preferences and usage scenarios. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switch. The Bobagum features a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, they also share similarities in how these materials affect the typing experience. The softer material used in the Bobagum's top and bottom housing creates a smoother and more cushioned typing experience, resulting in a more tactile feel. In comparison, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing adds a level of rigidity and responsiveness to the typing experience, enhancing the overall feedback of the switch. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is influenced by the unique qualities of their respective housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of clear polycarbonate in the V3 Matcha Green Pro's top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the opaque nature of the Bobagum's Gazzew blend housing may not offer the same level of customization when it comes to lighting effects. However, both switches prioritize sound quality and typing experience over aesthetics, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall performance of the switch. Ultimately, whether you prefer the softer and deeper sound profile of the Bobagum or the crisper and higher-pitched sound of the V3 Matcha Green Pro, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch with an actuation force of 55 grams, making the Bobagum easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bobagum is heavier at 62 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro at 63 grams, resulting in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Bobagum. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing speed and comfort. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier feel while typing.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bobagum. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. The difference of 0.2 mm in travel distance may not be significant for many users, as both switches offer a relatively quick actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and tactile feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional clacky switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a contrasting clacky and resonant sound, delivering a sharp and percussive auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users may lean towards the Bobagum for a more subdued typing sound or the Matcha Green Pro for a livelier and more resonant typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch is praised for its subtle resistance and tactile feedback, offering a unique and smooth keystroke that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback along with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches provide a different typing feel, with the Bobagum focusing on a gentle resistance and the Matcha Green Pro offering a more lively and smooth typing sensation.
Overall, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Bobagum provides a quiet and subtle typing sound with unmatched smoothness and tactility, the Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a sharp and resonant typing sound with a bouncy and creamy typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to elevate their overall mechanical keyboard experience. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences and styles, ensuring that newcomers can find the perfect switch for their needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a unique, almost 'matte' smoothness with a nearly silent typing sound, the Bobagum switch may be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a solid, bouncy feel with resonant clacks and a sharper bottom-out sound, the Matcha Green Pro switch might be more appealing. Ultimately, your choice should be based on the type of typing experience you prioritize, whether it be the smooth tactility of the Bobagum or the satisfying feedback of the Matcha Green Pro. Both switches offer medium bottom out forces, so the key differentiator lies in the feel and sound profiles they provide. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences for a truly gratifying typing experience.
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