Gazzew Bobagum vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew Bobagum and the PH Studio Yoel are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer distinct typing experiences. The Bobagum is known for its smooth and tactile feel, providing a unique matte sensation that sets it apart from other switches. With a nearly silent sound profile, the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Yoel, manufactured by BSUN, offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Yoel provides a satisfying and pronounced keypress. While both switches have their strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the PH Studio Yoel switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Yoel switch features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a more muted and deeper sound profile, providing a unique auditory experience compared to the Bobagum's bottom housing.
Despite their differences, both switches prioritize the sound quality and aesthetics of their housing materials. The translucency of polycarbonate used in the Yoel's top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In comparison, the Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing also contributes to the overall sound profile, providing a rich and deep tone that complements the top housing. While the Bobagum focuses on a softer sound, the Yoel aims for a clearer and resonant sound, catering to different sound preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
The choice between the Gazzew Bobagum and the PH Studio Yoel ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and tactile feedback. The Bobagum's blend of materials creates a soft and deep sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a more subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Yoel switch offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, providing a more tactile and resonant typing experience. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard, offering enthusiasts a variety of options to suit their individual preferences.
Weight
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch have slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bobagum has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Bobagum is heavier at 62 grams compared to the Yoel's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category. The Bobagum offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Yoel provides a slightly heavier bottom out force for a firmer typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gazzew Bobagum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is longer than the 3.2 mm travel distance of the PH Studio Yoel linear switch. This means that the Bobagum requires a slightly deeper press to actuate compared to the Yoel. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and feedback, the Bobagum might be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a quicker response time and a shallower feel, the Yoel could be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer slightly different experiences due to their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences regarding keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch is known for its nearly silent sound profile, creating a muted typing experience that minimizes noise typical of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound, with a pronounced resonance when keys reach the bottom-out point. The Bobagum provides a softer and quieter typing sound, while the Yoel produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound that is described as satisfying and pronounced.
When it comes to feel, the Bobagum linear switch is praised for its unparalleled tactility that offers a unique and almost 'matte' feel, providing a smooth typing experience. It is described as having a gentle resistance, creating a subtle typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch delivers a chewy typing experience that envelops fingertips with every press. It is known for its creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation that is like gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys.
Overall, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing sound and feel. If a quieter and subtler typing experience is desired, the Bobagum switch is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if a brighter and more pronounced typing sound with a creamy and polished feel is preferred, the Yoel switch would be the better option. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the factors of sound and feel to determine the best fit for your preferences. If you are looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Bobagum may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more resonant and bright sound profile with a slightly lower bottom out force, the Yoel could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feel or the auditory feedback of the switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose accordingly based on your individual preferences.
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