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Durock Light Tactile vs. Gazzew LT

An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew LT stand out among the rest. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is known for its gentle and pleasant tactility, offering a contrasting experience to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches offer a unique experience with their enticing lilac hue. These linear switches produce a deep and resonant "thockiness" that creates an auditory symphony while typing. Furthermore, the LTs provide a smooth and seamless glide with every keystroke. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision in choosing the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

52g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

67g

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

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

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Spring

Stainless steel Korean spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew LT have distinct similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, the Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate material, known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, making it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT employs a proprietary plastic blend called "boba plastic." This unique material offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, providing a contrasting experience to the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches have different materials but share a common characteristic - the aim to achieve a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Light Tactile uses a nylon bottom housing, which is considered a classic choice for switch housings. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gazzew LT features the same soft "boba plastic" blend in its bottom housing, contributing to a rich and deep sound profile, much like its top housing.

While the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew LT possess unique housing materials, they do share some similarities in terms of sound profile. Both switches aim for a deeper and more resonant sound due to the softness of their housing materials. Additionally, their proprietary plastic blend, the "boba plastic," used in both the top and bottom housings, contributes to a distinctive sound experience. However, it is essential to acknowledge their differences, with the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing offering a sharper sound and the Gazzew LT's "boba plastic" blend creating a richer tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences for sound and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Durock Light Tactile is the lighter option with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT has an undisclosed actuation force and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Durock Light Tactile.

In terms of the actuation force, the Durock Light Tactile requires 52 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact force for the Gazzew LT is unknown. However, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying level of resistance for typists and gamers alike.

When it comes to the bottom out force, the Durock Light Tactile requires 67 grams of force to fully press down, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams, which may be beneficial for individuals who prefer a lighter switch to type on for extended periods of time.

In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew LT differ in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, with the Durock Light Tactile being the lighter option overall. However, both switches offer similar results, falling within the medium-heavy range, and can cater to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is evident that the Light Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the LT has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Light Tactile's 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the LT's shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference. Those seeking a more responsive and speedy typing experience may lean towards the Gazzew LT with its shorter travel distance, while individuals who prefer a more substantial and deliberate keystroke may opt for the Durock Light Tactile with its longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.

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

The Durock Light Tactile switch offers a unique and gentle tactility that sets it apart from other tactile switches. This switch provides a soft and angelic tactility, creating a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, it has a jelly-like sound signature, which adds to the overall satisfaction of typing on these switches. The LT switches from Gazzew, on the other hand, are known for their enticing lilac hue and offer a seamless glide with every keystroke. These linear switches provide a deep and resonant thockiness sound, creating an auditory symphony during typing.

When it comes to sound, the Light Tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate sound profile that suits most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using the switches at home or work. On the other hand, the LT switches are described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The thocky nature of the switches creates a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. They also have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.

In terms of feel, the Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild tactile nature of these switches provides a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This enhances the overall typing experience, ensuring a sleek and refined feel. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the LT switches.

In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature. Typing on these switches provides a unique and pleasant experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches offer an enticing lilac hue and a seamless glide with every keystroke. The switches produce a deep, resonant thockiness sound. Both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, and while the LT switches' feel is unknown, they can be expected to provide a similarly satisfying experience based on their sound profile.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a gentle tactility and a softer sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and provides an angelic tactility along with a jelly-like sound when typing on them. In terms of sound, the Light Tactile switch is described as neutral, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, whether you plan to use them at home or work. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch has a mild feel and a polished finish, resulting in a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you're drawn to a switch with a deeper, resonant thockiness and a bass-heavy sound profile, the Gazzew LT linear switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, the LT switch offers a seamless glide with every keystroke and an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. The LT switch is described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, providing a rich and satisfying sound when pressed. While information on the feel of the LT switch is not provided, its enticing lilac hue adds an aesthetic appeal to your keyboard setup.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and Gazzew LT switches boils down to personal preferences. If you prioritize a gentle tactility, a neutral sound profile, and a polished feel, the Light Tactile switch will suit your needs well. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, resonant thockiness, a bass-heavy sound profile, and an aesthetic lilac color, the LT switch will be a great fit for you. Consider your typing experience and the auditory symphony you desire when making your decision.

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