KTT Ash Gray vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the KTT Ash Gray and the Gazzew LT. The Ash Gray switch is well-known for its substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response, offering a light touch with a crisp actuation. Users will appreciate the delightful blend of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor unnoticed. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switch boasts an enticing lilac hue and produces an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with each keystroke. Additionally, the LTs offer a seamless glide during typing. While both switches have their own unique qualities, deciding on the best switch for you requires a closer examination beyond these generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Gazzew LT, there are notable differences in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic material allows for clear and resonant sound production, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the LT utilizes Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes called "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. This proprietary plastic blend produces a warmer tone compared to polycarbonate.
While the top housings differ, both switches share a similar material choice for their bottom housings. The Ash Gray employs a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic material, absorbs more sound, resulting in a mellower and more rounded tone. Similarly, the LT incorporates the Gazzew blend bottom housing, offering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both switches draw from the qualities of their respective bottom housings to impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed.
When it comes to the sound profile upon releasing a key, the top housing plays a significant role. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing will have more influence on the sound when letting go of a key, contributing to its sharper and crisper sound profile. Conversely, the Gazzew LT's proprietary plastic blend top housing will deliver a distinctive sound when keys are released, offering a rich and deep tone due to its softness. Although the materials used in the top housings differ, they both contribute to the overall sound experience during key release.
In summary, while the KTT Ash Gray and the Gazzew LT have contrasting housing materials, they each offer unique sound profiles. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep tone. They share similarities in their nylon and Gazzew blend bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound upon key press. Regardless of the differences, both switches showcase the significance of housing materials in creating distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. In contrast, the LT's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, which is beneficial for work or gaming. For these individuals, the Ash Gray would be a suitable option. However, others desire a stronger tactile feedback, leading to a more substantial typing experience. These users would prefer switches with heavier forces, making the Gazzew LT an ideal choice.
While the actuation forces of the switches are not provided for the LT, it can be assumed that if they were to be similar to the Ash Gray, the typing experience would be similar as well. In terms of bottoming out, the LT requires a higher force, indicating a heavier keystroke compared to the Ash Gray. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray has a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the LT's 3.2 mm. This means that the Ash Gray switch offers a slightly deeper key press experience, providing a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the LT switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. It is important to note that both options fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired for a more responsive or hearty typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers a neutral profile, which means it has a moderate sound level suitable for various environments and users. Its tactile feedback is described as substantial yet unobtrusive, providing a pleasing blend of feedback without an overwhelming or "sandy" sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switch is known for its bassy and thocky sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a deep, resonant "thock" sound that many find satisfying. These low-pitched switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force ensures that typing is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, these switches provide a responsive and low-impact typing experience. In comparison, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Gazzew LT switch. However, the general information provided about the LT switches being seamless and offering a glide with every keystroke suggests that they may offer a smooth and effortless typing experience.
Based on the available information, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its moderate yet pleasant sound profile and easy-to-press feel. Users can expect a light touch and crisp actuation, as well as a delightful blend of tactile feedback. The Gazzew LT switch, in contrast, offers a deeper and richer sound with a thocky and bass-heavy quality. Although the feel characteristics of the LT switch are not mentioned, its lilac hue and seamless glide are mentioned, suggesting a smooth typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as the sound and feel are subjective experiences. Nevertheless, both switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, the KTT Ash Gray switch would be an excellent choice. With its light touch and crisp actuation, you will experience a delightful blend of tactile feedback without it being too overwhelming. The Ash Gray switch also offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, enhancing your typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy the auditory symphony of deep, resonant "thockiness," the Gazzew LT switch would be a great option. Typing on these switches will provide you with an enticing lilac hue, as well as a seamless glide with every keystroke. The LT switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, adding depth and richness to your typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Gazzew LT switches depends on your personal preference for bottom out force, tactile response, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully when making your decision, as both switches offer unique qualities that can greatly enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
