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Gazzew LT vs. Durock Medium Tactile

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

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gazzew LT and the Durock Medium Tactile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing to different users. The Gazzew LT switches, with their enticing lilac hue, offer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant "thockiness" that is hard to resist. Their seamless glide with every keystroke provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switches stand out for their pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating a satisfying feedback with each press. Additionally, they have a distinctive jelly-like sound signature that sets them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

65g

Bottom-out force

65g

Pre-travel

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.20 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

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

Gold-plated spring

Housing materials

The Gazzew LT and the Durock Medium Tactile differ in terms of their housing materials. The LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing, while the Medium Tactile utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. In terms of sound profile, the LT's Gazzew blend offers a rich and deep sound due to its softness, while the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the LT contributes to its rich sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile elicits a deeper and fuller sound.

Aesthetically, the Gazzew LT and the Durock Medium Tactile also have distinguishing features. The LT's Gazzew blend is not translucent, so it does not have the ability to showcase RGB lighting. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. This transparency allows for vibrant lighting effects and adds a visually appealing aspect to the switch.

When it comes to the feel of the switch, the housing materials play a role in determining the overall experience. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the LT and the nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile will provide distinct sensations when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the Gazzew blend top housing and the polycarbonate top housing will result in different sound profiles when keys are released.

In conclusion, while the Gazzew LT and the Durock Medium Tactile each have their own unique housing materials, they both offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetic features. The LT's Gazzew blend delivers a rich and deep sound, whereas the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the transparent polycarbonate housing of the Medium Tactile allows for RGB lighting, while the LT's Gazzew blend does not. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on the desired sound experience and visual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, we find some similarities between the two. Firstly, the actuation force for both switches is unknown, which means we cannot directly compare them in this aspect. However, since they both have a bottom out force of 65 grams, we can infer that they require a similar amount of force to fully press the key.

Now, let's consider the weight of these switches. The Gazzew LT linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force since it is not provided, while the Durock Medium Tactile also lacks this information, making it difficult to determine which switch is lighter in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, they both share the same weight, with a medium-heavy force of 65 grams.

Weight, in terms of typing experience, is subjective to personal preference. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may choose the Gazzew LT linear switch, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. This would be beneficial for individuals using a keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force. Unfortunately, since the actuation force for both switches is unknown, we cannot make an accurate comparison in this regard.

In conclusion, while the actuation forces of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch are unavailable, they both share the same bottom out force of 65 grams. Therefore, if one desires a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out, either switch would provide similar results. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding actuation force and the desired weight for a typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0mm distance is considered the most traditional, providing a standard depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the LT offers a shorter travel distance, which is beneficial for those seeking faster response times, particularly gamers. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the LT switch would be the preferable choice. However, for individuals who find shorter travel distances too abrupt, the Durock Medium Tactile, with its 4 mm travel distance, would be more suitable. Both switches offer their respective advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 Gazzew LT switches are best known for their enticing lilac hue and are described as having a deep, resonant thockiness. These linear switches offer a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. When pressed, the LT switches produce a satisfying thock sound, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." Additionally, the LT switches provide a seamless glide with every keystroke. As for the Durock Medium Tactile switches, they feature a pronounced yet balanced tactility and have a jelly-like sound signature. Unfortunately, no further information is available regarding their sound qualities, so it is best to explore user experiences or reviews to gain more insight.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT switches have no specific descriptors available. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switches are described as accented, meaning they provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. There is also the mention of stepped switches, which means the tactile feeling is more mild compared to hypertactile switches, allowing for some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Ultimately, the Durock Medium Tactile switches offer a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone.

In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switches stand out with their deep, resonant thockiness and bassy sound profile. The LT switches provide a seamless glide and an enticing lilac hue, resulting in a visually and audibly satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, while the Durock Medium Tactile switches offer a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, further information is needed to provide a comprehensive comparison. However, if you are looking for a similar experience to the Gazzew LT switches, the Durock Medium Tactile switches may still offer a pleasant feel and potentially a softer, smoother sound. It is always recommended to try different switches and consult user experiences to find the perfect match for your preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Gazzew LT switches would be a great choice. With their lilac hue, they offer a visually enticing option. Not only do these switches provide a deep and resonant "thockiness" in terms of sound, but they also offer a seamless glide with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with the same bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switches would be the way to go. These switches have a pronounced yet balanced tactility, and they produce a unique jelly-like sound signature. In terms of feel, the LT switches have not been described, but the Medium Tactile switches are characterized by being accented, stepped, mild, and polished. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for linear or tactile feel, as well as your desired sound profile.

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