Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gazzew LT

Overview

When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gazzew LT are two popular options to consider. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch that stands out for its shorter travel, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, also a linear switch, is best known for its enticing lilac hue and the auditory symphony it creates while typing. These switches offer a deep, resonant thockiness that adds a unique charm to every keystroke, along with a seamless glide. While these general descriptions provide some insight, let's dive deeper into the details to help you make the best switch choice for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Gazzew LT Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gazzew LT switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing yields a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This results in a satisfying clacky sound that is often praised. On the other hand, the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," produces a deep and rich sound due to its softness. While both switches provide an enjoyable auditory experience, the Ink Yellow offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound, while the LT produces a more profound and resonant tone.

Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, the Ink Yellow and the LT once again showcase distinct qualities. The Ink Yellow's bottom housing, made from the same proprietary INK blend as the top housing, contributes to its characteristic pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This clacky sound is maintained throughout the switch's entire press-down action. On the other hand, the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, referred to as "boba plastic," adds a softness to the switch's bottom-out sound and feel. This lends a satisfying cushioned sensation when the key is fully depressed. While both switches provide a unique auditory and tactile experience, the Ink Yellow's bottom housing maintains the clacky sound, while the LT's bottom housing enhances the switch's cushioned bottom-out feel.

In terms of the overall impact on sound, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles. When a key is released, the top housing has a greater influence on the resulting sound, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Therefore, while the Ink Yellow and LT differ in their top and bottom housing materials, they still deliver comparable results. Both switches offer an enjoyable sound experience during both keypress and key release, albeit with distinct characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, one can observe some similarities and differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force for the Ink Yellow switch is known and measures 60 grams, while the LT switch does not provide information on its actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ink Yellow requiring 67 grams and the LT requiring 65 grams. In terms of weight, the Ink Yellow switch can be considered lighter compared to the LT switch due to its lower bottom out force. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing periods or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the LT switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. In summary, while the Ink Yellow switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force, the LT switch offers a comparable experience with a similar actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch have different travel distances. The Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the LT has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have gained popularity in recent times, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Gazzew LT with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer switches with more depth. In this case, the Gateron Ink Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better fit. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing/gaming habits when selecting a switch with the appropriate travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you'll be using it at home or work. The switch is also characterized as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This gives it a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile.

On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switch provides a unique auditory experience with its deep and resonant thockiness. These switches can be described as bassy, as they offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The sound resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, LT switches are low-pitched, producing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing experience, which is gentle and approachable to most people. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable typing feel. In terms of texture, the Ink Yellow switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This leads to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Gazzew LT switch. However, based on the general characteristics of linear switches, it can be assumed that they will offer a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or click.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gazzew LT switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a neutral and clacky sound profile, along with a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the LT switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, but information about its feel is unknown. Both switches have their own unique qualities, and the choice between them would depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gazzew LT linear switches, there are a few factors to consider.

If you're looking for a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is a great choice. It offers a shorter travel distance and provides a smooth and clacky feel with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you want to experience a deep and resonant thockiness, the LT switches are perfect for you. With their lilac hue, these switches not only sound amazing but also provide a seamless glide with each press.

In terms of sound, the Ink Yellow offers a neutral and clacky profile. It produces a moderate and percussive sound when pressed, making it suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the LT switches are described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched. They offer a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.

When it comes to the feel, the Ink Yellow provides a mild and polished typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle feel that most people will find approachable. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific description provided for the LT switches' feel.

In conclusion, if you want a switch that offers a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, the Gateron Ink Yellow is the way to go. However, if you're looking for an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness, seamless glide, and a unique lilac hue, the Gazzew LT switches are the perfect choice. Consider your preferences regarding sound and feel, and let that guide your decision between these two excellent switches. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more