Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Bobagum switch is best known for its redefined smoothness and unique tactility. With an almost 'matte' feel, these switches provide a texture that is unlike any other, offering an unparalleled typing experience. Additionally, the Bobagum switches are nearly silent, ensuring a quiet and peaceful typing environment. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch stands out for its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, providing a buttery smooth typing experience. These linear switches, categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', offer a gentle and balanced key press. Both switches have their own appeal and can cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ in their choice of housing materials. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housings, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting. While the Bobagum's bottom housing is made from the same Gazzew blend as the top, the Sea Salt Lemon opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is well-known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition.
Despite their differences, both the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon achieve impressive sound profiles. The Bobagum's proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," offers a softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. While these materials have distinct properties, they still manage to deliver satisfying auditory experiences. Additionally, both switches prioritize sound quality, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the user's typing or gaming experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the choice of housing material also comes into play. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing and the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing provide distinct sensations upon key press. The softness of the Gazzew blend likely offers a more cushioned bottom-out feel, while the absorption quality of the nylon creates a duller and rounder sound. These variations in housing materials add another layer of customization and personalization for keyboard enthusiasts seeking specific tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the Bobagum switch is slightly higher at 46 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switch's 45 grams. However, both of these forces fall within the medium range, providing a satisfying response for most users.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Bobagum switch requires 62 grams of force while the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires 53 grams. This means that the Bobagum switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switch, which has a lighter feel. This can affect the typing experience, as some users may prefer the added resistance offered by the Bobagum switch for a more substantial feel, while others may appreciate the lighter touch of the Sea Salt Lemon switch for longer typing sessions.
Considering the weight aspect, the Bobagum switch would be the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force. This could be advantageous for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter switch that allows for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. Regardless of the differences, both switches offer a responsive experience due to their similar actuation forces, resulting in comparable results for users who desire a medium actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we can see that the Bobagum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance compared to the Bobagum.
A switch's travel distance, which is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, is crucial in providing the tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. While 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, 3.6 mm still falls within the range of acceptable distances. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the Bobagum with its shorter travel distance could be the ideal choice.
However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances may feel too abrupt for some individuals. In contrast, longer travel distances provide a sense of hearty depth when pressing the keys, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel. If you belong to this category, the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance may be the better option for you. 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?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is also described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various purposes. However, it is 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 Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a unique experience with its almost 'matte' feel. It is not as smooth as gliding on ice, nor does it have the texture of unlubed switches. However, it provides an unparalleled tactility that sets it apart. Additionally, this switch has a subtle feel with gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing experience. The sound signature is also not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a mild typing experience. It offers a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, aiming to provide an approachable typing experience for most users.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gazzew Bobagum and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Bobagum switch stands out with its unique tactile feel and nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch focuses on providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. While they have different characteristics, both switches aim to offer a pleasant typing experience. If you are looking for a muted and subtly tactile switch, the Bobagum is a great choice. If you prefer a more mild and smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent option. Remember, the ultimate experience also depends on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and unparalleled tactility, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is a great choice. It offers a smooth and almost 'matte' feel, providing a unique typing experience. Additionally, these switches have a nearly silent sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be a good option. These switches have a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a lovely and gentle typing experience. They also have a low-pitched sound profile, which adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone. Overall, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound.
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