Gazzew LT vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gazzew LT, a linear switch, and the KTT Mallo, a tactile switch. The Gazzew LT switches are widely praised for their enticing lilac hue and deep, resonant thockiness, earning them the nickname "linear thock." With a seamless glide and a low-pitched sound profile, the LT switches provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switches are known for their subtlety and finesse in design, offering a gentle tactility that provides just the right amount of feedback without overpowering the user. The medium-light typing feel and neutral sound signature make the Mallo switches a versatile choice for various typing environments. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal, but diving deeper into their specific qualities will help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and KTT Mallo both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing is known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, while the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The Gazzew blend provides a warm and mellow sound, perfect for those looking for a more soothing typing experience, while the polycarbonate offers a clean and bright sound, ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant typing sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gazzew LT features a Gazzew blend that delivers a rich and deep sound profile similar to its top housing, while the KTT Mallo utilizes a nylon bottom housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Gazzew blend's softness absorbs sound to create a duller and rounder sound, perfect for a quieter typing experience, whereas the nylon bottom housing's softer material absorbs more sound to produce a deeper and more resonant typing sound. Both materials provide a unique typing experience, with the Gazzew blend offering a softer and more muted sound and the nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound.
When examining the overall impact of the housing materials on the switches, it's clear that the Gazzew LT and KTT Mallo each offer a distinct sound profile based on their top and bottom housing materials. The properties of the bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to varying preferences in sound and feel. Whether you prefer a softer and warmer sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both the Gazzew LT and KTT Mallo provide options for customizable typing experiences.
Weight
The Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Gazzew LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the KTT Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. The actuation force for both switches is not specified. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter KTT Mallo for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor the heavier Gazzew LT for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The LT switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. On the other hand, the Mallo switch provides a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a quicker or more substantial keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew LT linear switch is best described as having a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. The deep and rich thockiness of the LT switches provides a satisfying auditory experience that resonates with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a neutral and subdued sound, striking a balanced chord between being noticeable yet gentle. The Mallo's neutral sound signature ensures versatility in different typing environments, while the LT's bass-heavy tones bring a deeper richness to the typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the LT offers a more pronounced and bassy auditory feedback, while the Mallo provides a more subtle and subdued typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew LT linear switch does not have specific descriptors provided, indicating a lack of information on the tactile feedback and typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle. The feathery and mild characteristics of the Mallo switch offer a light and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and making it suitable for extended typing sessions. The stepped design of the Mallo switch provides a more gentle tactile feedback compared to hypersensitive switches, allowing for a smoother keystroke experience. With its subtle resistance, the Mallo switch maintains a light typing feel and a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces. In comparison, the Gazzew LT's feel is unknown, making it difficult to assess how it may differ from the Mallo switch in terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers a deep, rich, and bassy sound profile with a seamless typing glide, providing a satisfying auditory experience. While the tactile feedback and typing feel of the LT switch are unknown, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a subtle and versatile sound signature, along with a light and comfortable typing experience due to its feathery and stepped design. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Gazzew LT and the KTT Mallo switches will depend on whether you prioritize a deeper and richer sound experience or a more versatile and gentle typing feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep, resonant "thocky" sound with a low-pitched tone, the Gazzew LT may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral, subdued sound with a gentle tactile feedback, the KTT Mallo switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you value most in your mechanical keyboard.
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