Gazzew Boba Gum Pink Silent Linear Bobagum RGB For Mechanical Keyboard Custom Switch 5pin 52g 62g 68g Bottom (Axis Body : Boba gum 62g, Color : 200PCS)

Product Information

In the keyboard switch community, most brands discussed are Cherry MX, Gateron, and Outemu. Even though the said brands are known for manufacturing their switches, they also specialize in producing commissioned keyboard switches for other popular switch brands. One of the most well-known quality switches manufactured by a famous brand, Outemu, is the Gazzew switches. Like with other switches from Gazzew – one of the most reputable switch makers in the mechanical keyboard scene – the Bobagum is a silent linear switch manufactured by Outemu. Even though the company is not quite as well-known as JWK or Gateron, it is steadily delivering some very impressive switches that offer excellent housing tolerance with Gazzew – more on that later. The Boba U4, like most other mechanical switches in production today, are derived from Cherry MX housing designs.

A great value switch, and excellent affordable alternative to the Drop Holy Panda and Zealios premium tactile switches. Surprisingly, the Zilent V2 tactile bump is only a hair stronger and more firm than the Boba U4 in a side by side comparison. The Keebwerk Tacit, for example, blows both of the water in terms of sheer tactility and is showing how much the tactile market has drifted over time. In fact, it’s even superior to other switches in certain aspects – not many of them can match the Bobagum’s excellent stem wobble and quiet, dampened typing experience. Is It Worth It?

Details Pink top variant

Peak Force” is the maximum amount of force required to press and actuate the switch. The peak force required for a tactile switch is typically higher than that of a linear switch with the same spring. If you disassemble your switches please watch this video on the correct assembly procedure to prevent damaging the leaf and causing inconsistent tactility. https://youtu.be/8ZSlVkCLBWY The combination of the two colors makes the Boba U4 appear milkier than Gateron Milkies, and creamier than NK Creams. While these are also another Gazzew switch, the Silent Sky switches are still noticeable louder than the Boba U4s, which I would likely chalk up in large part to the ‘mysterious’ plastic compound used in the housing of these new switches. There is an ever so slight amount of ping in the spring of these switches that aren’t in Boba U4s, though I know from first hand experience that this disappears with a decent lubrication job. Scores and Statistics

The Boba U4 is offered not only in 62g and 68g spring weights, but the housing is also provided in both milky-top and RGB-friendly clear-top options.

Tech specs

I treated myself with GMK think caps and during the waiting time I thought it would be nice if I'd give my board a worthy upgrade.

While there is more wobble on the Tacit than the U4, it is worth noting that they both well fit within the range of ‘likely unnoticeable difference’ to the average user who would be typing with them. At the softest-feeling, most quiet end is Outemu (and by extension Gazzew) - especially with lubing, these will make the least noise. They also have the most “mush” to the bottom-out feel, in terms of MX-compatible options. Somewhere between those extremes lie most of the rest; Cherry, Gateron, JWK (who make the Shrimps). I’m honestly no fan of either Cherry or Gateron’s approach, and while JWK’s is similar, I think it’s better executed.There are a few ways you can lube the Boba U4, including the traditional method of lubing the springs, housings, and stem with GPL105 and Tribosys 3203 or 3204. The combination of tactile bump, spring weight, and peak force in the Boba U4 means if you rest your fingers on the keys, they won’t budge unless you want them to.

I’m pretty into dampened switches myself. Generally, they do all involve some kind of trade-off between silence and retaining a satisfying feel - though not all the manufacturers do it the same way. Speaking of which, I absolutely love the bottom out feeling of the Bobagum. The dampened (but not overly mushy) downstroke is a refreshing change over the harsher, more solid bottom out of non-silent switches. The softer bottom out of the Bobagum actually reminds me of membrane keyboards quite a bit, which is not necessarily a bad thing, in my opinion.

Details RGB (clear top) variant

I think the OUTEMU Silent Lemon/Lime is similar to OUTEMU Grey. But I only have experience with the green-coloured variant, and it is fine, so I recommend it. The T1 Shrimp is good, as those who have them like them. That’s basically a ‘flavour’ difference, although U4 is probably a better design. Aside the much more interesting (and palatable to some) nameplate on the Boba switches, the interesting color scheme and material choice of the housings will almost certainly see their usage in frankenswitches here in the future. As well, I really anticipate that he will be able to sell more than a fair bit of these switches as I have reviewed here, as they will mark off quite a few desirable boxes for beginners and experts alike. I may even be willing to go a step further and say that I honestly am considering using these someday in a build yet to be planned – though only time will tell where these switches, and Gazzew himself, will go. Further Reading Both the stem and top housing wobble are truly skirting the lines of manufacturing perfection. While this means a lesser incompatibility for frankenswitching uses, these have been the gold standard for wobble for switches to compare to since their initial release. Sound BOBA PLASTIC IS BEING DISCONTINUED AS A RESULT ALL PURPLE & PINK BOBA PLASTIC THAT IS AVAILABLE CURRENTLY IS THE LAST THAT WIL BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE NEW PLASTIC HAS BEEN PRODUCED. I may make other colors available for LT & Bobagums but that will be determined when all of the bases have been used. There will be a new plastic replacing boba plastic that will be added in the future in place of the boba plastics.