Gazzew LT vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Mini i mechanical keyboard switches, two distinct options emerge for different preferences. The Gazzew LT, with its linear switch design, offers a deep, resonant thockiness with each keystroke, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i features a tactile switch, delivering a gentle tactile feedback without sacrificing a quiet sound profile, making it ideal for office environments. While the LT excels in its bassy and thocky sound profile, the Mini i is praised for its bouncy and easy-to-press key feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Mini i both aim to enhance the typing experience by delivering a rich and deep sound profile. The Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings, known as "boba plastic," offer a softness that contributes to the switch's sound profile. Similarly, the Mini i's nylon top and bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. In terms of sound absorption, both materials excel in creating a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.
However, while the Gazzew LT and Gateron Mini i both utilize soft materials in their housing, there are some differences in how these materials impact the typing experience. The Gazzew blend plastic used in the LT's housing may offer a slightly different sound profile compared to the nylon used in the Mini i. The Gazzew blend may provide a richer and deeper sound due to its proprietary nature, while the nylon in the Mini i may offer a more classic and traditional typing sound. These subtle differences can cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel while typing.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings play different roles in determining the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction means that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom can significantly impact the overall typing experience. Whether using the Gazzew LT or the Gateron Mini i, the housing materials are crucial in creating a unique and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is clear that the Mini i is the lighter option. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter than the LT, which has an unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Mini i also requires less force at 50 grams compared to the LT's 65 grams. This makes the Mini i a better choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the LT would cater to individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel. Despite the differences in force requirements, both switches provide a similar overall typing experience, ensuring users will get satisfying results regardless of their preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Gazzew LT has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Mini i. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in the Gateron Mini i feeling slightly more substantial when typing. Ultimately, your preference for a shorter or slightly longer travel distance will depend on your personal typing style and comfort level.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00.
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 stands out for its deep and resonant thockiness, providing a satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke. The low-pitched and bassy characteristics of the LT switches offer a rich sound profile that is sure to please those who enjoy a deeper tone during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments such as home or work settings. While the Mini i may not have the same bass-heavy sound as the LT, its subtle and muted sound profile still delivers a satisfying typing experience without being too distracting.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT linear switch is not specifically described in the provided information, so we can assume that it offers a smooth and seamless typing experience based on its linear design. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is characterized by its bouncy and easy-to-press nature, providing a responsive and comfortable typing feel. With a mild and subtle tactile feedback, the Mini i switches offer a gentle resistance that is suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The snappy and stepped characteristics of the Mini i switches also contribute to a lively and dynamic typing experience.
Overall, the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the LT excels in providing a deep and thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, the Mini i focuses on a neutral sound profile with bouncy and easy-to-press keys for a comfortable typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different needs and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the LT and Mini i switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gazzew LT linear switch or the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound profile with a rich bass tone, then the Gazzew LT switches are a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a more neutral sound profile with a gentle tactile feedback that is easy on the fingers, then the Gateron Mini i switches would be a better fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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