Gazzew LT vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Melodic are both popular options with unique characteristics to consider. The Gazzew LT is a linear switch known for its enticing lilac hue and deep, resonant "thockiness" with a seamless glide on every keystroke. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the LT offers a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a smooth and quiet operation. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that reinvigorates this category by combining classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for enhanced smoothness. With categories such as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Melodic switch offers a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for users who enjoy audible feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and Gateron Melodic switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings are made of a soft plastic blend, known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the Melodic switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic switches allows for RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
While the Gazzew LT and Gateron Melodic switches differ in their top housing materials, they both prioritize sound quality through unique properties. The LT's Gazzew blend bottom housing, like its top housing, contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Melodic switches feature a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This difference in bottom housing material results in a distinct typing experience for each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gazzew LT and Gateron Melodic switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The soft "boba plastic" housing of the LT provides a rich and deep sound profile throughout the key press, while the polycarbonate and nylon housings of the Melodic switches offer a sharper and fuller sound profile split between the top and bottom of the key press. Whether you prefer a softer, more rounded sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches offer unique options for customizing your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, we can see that the Gazzew LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Gateron Melodic's 60 grams. The actuation force for both switches is not specified, so we can assume they are similar. This means that the typing experience on both switches would feel relatively similar in terms of how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Gateron Melodic, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the Gazzew LT. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and preferred weight.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gazzew LT has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Melodic. The shorter travel distance of the Gazzew LT may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Gateron Melodic could provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gazzew LT linear switch is known for its deep and rich bass tones, creating a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that resonates with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a more resonant and higher-pitched sound, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience with a crunchy click similar to stepping on autumn leaves. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the deep bassy sound of the LT or the crisp resonance of the Melodic for their typing enjoyment.
Regarding feel, the Gazzew LT linear switch does not have specific descriptors available, so it may provide a unique typing experience that users will need to try to understand fully. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. Additionally, the Melodic switch is noted for being invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, users can expect a different tactile experience with each switch, choosing between the unknown tactile feel of the LT and the buttery smoothness of the Melodic.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. While the LT provides a bassy and thocky sound with a seamless glide, the Melodic delivers a resonant and crunchy click with a smooth and invigorating typing feel. Depending on whether users prioritize sound or feel in their mechanical keyboard switches, they can choose between the deep and rich tones of the LT or the crisp and smooth keystrokes of the Melodic for their ultimate typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing goals. If you prefer a deep, resonant thock with a seamless glide during typing, the Gazzew LT linear switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic clicky sound with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for enhanced smoothness, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams might be more to your liking. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. So, consider your preferences carefully and choose accordingly to optimize your typing satisfaction.
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