Gazzew LT vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the Gazzew LT and the KTT Mint, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Gazzew LT switches are best known for their enticing lilac hue and deliver a delightful auditory experience with a deep and resonant "thockiness" sound. Their seamless glide with every keystroke enhances the typing experience even further. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switches offer a satisfyingly smooth typing sensation, thanks to their long pole stem. The Mint switches produce a distinct "poppy thockiness" sound and provide a light and fleeting typing experience. While these general characteristics may pique your interest, let's dive deeper into the specifics to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the KTT Mint differ in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The LT's top housing is made of a proprietary Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Mint's top housing is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both materials contribute to sound profiles, the LT's blend offers a softer and warmer tone, while the Mint's polycarbonate provides a brighter and more defined sound.
The bottom housing materials of the two switches also differ. The LT utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its top housing, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Mint's bottom housing is made of nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, if bottom and top housings are different, the Gazzew LT will maintain a consistent rich and deep sound profile due to its proprietary blend, while the KTT Mint will have a combination of sharper and crisper sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and a deeper tone from the nylon bottom housing.
In terms of tactile feedback, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the bottom and top of the switch. When pressing down on either the Gazzew LT or the KTT Mint, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and overall feel. However, the top housing material will play a more prominent role in the sound when releasing a key. Thus, both switches will provide a satisfying tactile experience, but the specific qualities of the housing materials will be more noticeable during keypresses and key releases.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are significant differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gazzew LT has an actuation force that is unavailable in terms of grams, while the KTT Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams. This indicates that the KTT Mint requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Gazzew LT. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gazzew LT has a heavier force of 65 grams, while the KTT Mint has a lighter force of 53 grams. Thus, the Gazzew LT provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the KTT Mint offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. It is worth considering the weight of the switches as well. Those who desire a lighter switch may opt for the KTT Mint, as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Gazzew LT for a more satisfying typing experience. Overall, with different actuation and bottom out forces, these switches provide contrasting options to cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mint has a longer travel distance compared to the LT. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, particularly among gamers who seek faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the LT's shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a deeper key press. In this case, the Mint's longer travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91.
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 switches offer a deep and resonant thockiness. These switches have a bassy sound profile, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The LT switches are also described as thocky, producing a satisfyingly deep and rich sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switches have a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the LT switches. They offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Mint switches are also described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gazzew LT switches' feel is not described in the provided information. However, the KTT Mint switches are described as offering a mild and gentle typing experience. These switches fall in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a more approachable feel to most users. Additionally, the Mint switches are referred to as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek and smooth typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the Gazzew LT and the KTT Mint switches offer unique and desirable qualities. They both provide a satisfying sound during typing, with the LT switches offering a deeper, resonant thockiness and the Mint switches having a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The LT switches are known for their seamless glide, while the Mint switches offer a light and fleeting type feel. The LT switches do not have specific information regarding their feel, but the Mint switches are described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a pleasing typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a deep, resonant thockiness, the Gazzew LT linear switch would be a great choice for you. With their lilac hue and seamless glide, typing on these switches is truly an auditory symphony. Furthermore, the LT provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall satisfying typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint linear switch is the way to go. With its long pole stem, typing on these switches offers a light and fleeting type feel. The Mint also provides a low-pitched sound profile, contributing to a more mellow and bass-heavy tone during key presses.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT switch has not been described specifically, while the Mint switch is described as mild and polished. The mild characteristic of the Mint switch offers a more gentle typing experience, making it approachable for most users. The polished finish of the Mint switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gazzew LT and KTT Mint switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Consider your desired typing experience and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences the most.
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