HMX Game1989 vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and Gazzew LT linear switches each offer a unique tactile experience that can significantly enhance your typing and gaming performance. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for being the deepest and thockiest of the HMX Film switch series, providing a satisfying key press with an emphasis on a heavy thock sound, perfect for users who appreciate a more substantial feel with each stroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches are known for their captivating lilac hue and strike a harmonious balance with their auditory experience, delivering a deeper, resonant thock that enhances the tactile feedback while ensuring a smooth keystroke glide. While both switches cater to users seeking a linear experience characterized by silent operation and efficient actuation, their distinct functionalities make them appealing in different contexts. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Gazzew LT, significant distinctions emerge, particularly between the top housings. The HMX 1989 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer structure that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, elevating its aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Gazzew LT employs a proprietary plastic blend commonly nicknamed "boba plastic" for its top housing. This blend, being softer, cultivates a rich and deep sound profile that diverges markedly from the clarity associated with polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, they primarily differ in the tonal quality produced by their respective top housing materials.
For the bottom housings, both the HMX 1989 and the Gazzew LT harness the advantages of soft plastics, leading to commonalities in their acoustic performance. The HMX 1989's nylon bottom housing is a classic choice, known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound due to its absorbent qualities. Similarly, the Gazzew LT's proprietary blend for the bottom housing reinforces this theme of softness, contributing to the rich sound profile. Both materials fulfill the same purpose of softening the overall auditory feedback during typing and bottoming out. Consequently, even though the top housings differ in sound profile characteristics, the shared emphasis on softer materials in the bottom housing ensures that both switches can still produce a warm and rounded sound experience.
In summary, while the HMX 1989 and the Gazzew LT differ markedly in their top housing materials and resulting audio signatures—sharp versus deep—their bottom housings share a common philosophy that grounds their sound profile in softness. This interplay creates a distinctive hybrid auditory experience, where the characteristics of the top housing dictate the release sound and articulation, while the bottom housing influences the typing experience's fullness and richness. Typing on these switches would elicit different sound profiles on a tactile level, but both would ultimately delight users seeking varying auditory aesthetics depending on the housing configuration.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying user preferences. The HMX 1989 features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it an appealing option for those who prefer a lighter touch, particularly beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew LT has no specified actuation force, but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This indicates a more substantial resistance, which may provide a satisfying tactile feedback for users who enjoy a firmer push feel. Consequently, while the HMX 1989 is the lighter option, the Gazzew LT's heaviness suggests it would be better suited for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. The difference in bottom out forces also indicates that users of the Gazzew LT may experience a more pronounced feeling when a key is fully pressed, adding to the tactile engagement of the switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard sought by those who appreciate a more significant tactile depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Gazzew LT has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, catering to players and typists who favor quicker response times, often preferred in gaming environments. The shorter travel distance of the LT may feel more responsive but can also come across as too abrupt for certain users, while the HMX 1989 offers a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference: opt for the HMX 1989 for a hearty depth or the Gazzew LT for increased responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Gazzew LT 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, both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch share a prominent deep and thocky auditory profile. The 1989 is well-regarded for its thockiness, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback that resonates with gamers and typists alike. The Gazzew LT further amplifies this quality, being classified as bassy and low-pitched, resulting in a deep, rich tone on key presses that feels almost symphonic. Users can expect a pronounced "thud" or soft "knock" sound with both switches, making them ideal choices for those who appreciate deeper acoustic profiles. However, it's essential to remember that the final sound experience will largely depend on the keyboard's build and the chosen keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989's characteristics are unknown; however, the Gazzew LT switches promise an incredibly smooth typing experience. Users can expect a seamless glide with each keystroke, which enhances the overall typing experience by allowing for rapid and fluid movements across the keyboard. The known feel of the LT switches is likely to provide a strikingly pleasurable typing sensation that could potentially match or surpass many other linear switches, though it remains unclear how the 1989 compares in this category.
In summary, both the HMX 1989 and Gazzew LT switches stand out for their deep, thocky sounds that cater to enthusiasts who enjoy a robust auditory experience while typing or gaming. The LT’s known feel of seamless glide suggests a premium experience, although the specific tactile feedback of the 1989 remains to be described. Overall, if you're looking for switches that offer rich acoustics, either option would likely serve you well, albeit with distinct nuances in feel that may shine through depending on individual preferences and keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a thocky sound profile that enhances the tactile experience while typing or gaming. Its deep, resonant keystrokes are particularly advantageous for those who enjoy immersing themselves in the auditory feedback of their keyboard, making it ideal for gaming enthusiasts looking for a satisfying and impactful sound with every keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier keystroke with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Gazzew LT linear switch is likely to be more suited for your needs. Known for its captivating lilac hue, the LT offers a rich auditory experience characterized by a deep, bassy thock that resonates beautifully, making it perfect for individuals who prioritize both sound and feel in their typing experience. The seamless glide of the LT can also be particularly appealing for those who do extensive typing or gaming and seek that consistent performance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to your personal preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
