Gazzew LT vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Black. The Gazzew LT switches are best known for their enticing lilac hue, offering both a visually pleasing experience and an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. The seamless glide provided by the LTs further enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches, with Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, offer a classic textured smoothness that is preferred by many users. These switches produce a familiar deep sound profile when typing on them. While both switches fall under the category of being low-pitched, they differ in terms of their overall feel and texture. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Black differ in terms of their housing materials. The LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, while the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing. The Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Black provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both materials absorb sound to some extent, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Gazzew blend top housing is described as delivering a more pronounced and distinct sound compared to the nylon top housing of the MX Black.
Similarly, the Gazzew LT and Cherry MX Black differ in their bottom housing materials. The LT incorporates a Gazzew blend bottom housing, while the MX Black utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Gazzew blend bottom housing, like its top counterpart, delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of the MX Black elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference lies in their impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The bottom housing has a more significant influence in this aspect, thus affecting the overall typing experience of the switch.
When it comes to the impact on sound, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play distinct roles. Pressing down on a switch allows you to feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which includes the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The Gazzew blend bottom housing of the LT and the nylon bottom housing of the MX Black will provide different tactile sensations. On the other hand, the top housing material comes into play when you release a key. The Gazzew blend top housing and the nylon top housing will contribute differently to the sound that is produced when a key is let go. Despite these differences, both the Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Black offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is important to consider their weight. In terms of actuation force, the LT's exact measurement is unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the LT requires a medium-heavy force of 65 grams, while the MX Black demands a heavier force of 80 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the MX Black with its lower actuation force would be a suitable choice. This lighter force allows for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. However, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, opting for the Gazzew LT with its medium-heavy bottom out force might be more preferable. It is worth noting that while the exact actuation force of the LT is unknown, the difference in actuation force between the two switches suggests that the LT switch may offer similar results to those seeking a lighter feel.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to choose a lighter or heavier switch depends on individual preferences. Some individuals may prioritize a lighter switch for increased comfort and reduced fatigue, while others may prefer a heavier switch for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, we find that these switches have different distances. The Gazzew LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the MX Black has a more traditional travel distance, while the LT falls into the category of shorter travel distances. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times, making them more suitable for quick and precise actions. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, favoring a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Black will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew LT linear switches offer a unique auditory experience. With their lilac hue, these switches provide a deep, resonant thockiness that creates an auditory symphony when typing. The LTs are known for their bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. They also deliver a satisfying thocky sound, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Additionally, the LTs have a low-pitched sound, which gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switches are known for their classic textured smoothness. These switches have been perfected by Cherry, and their new Hyperglide tooling ensures a seamless typing experience. While the precise sound characteristics of the MX Black switches are not explicitly mentioned, they are described as having a familiar deep sound profile. Being low-pitched, they also offer a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Moving on to the feel, the subjective qualities of the Gazzew LT linear switches are not provided in the given information. Regarding the MX Black linear switches, they are described as textured, implying that they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer a subtle texture in their switches, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Moreover, the MX Black switches are considered stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This means that users will need to apply more force when typing with these switches.
To summarize, the Gazzew LT linear switches are known for their deep, resonant thockiness and provide a seamless glide with every keystroke. They have a bassy, thocky sound profile with a low-pitched tone. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switches offer a classic textured smoothness and a familiar deep sound profile. While the subjective qualities of the Gazzew LT in terms of feel are unknown, the MX Black switches are described as textured and stiff. Ultimately, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of sound, but the MX Black may provide a different typing experience due to its textured feel and higher force requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a unique and satisfying typing experience, the Gazzew LT linear switch might be the right choice for you. With their lilac hue and deep, resonant thockiness, these switches offer a delightful auditory symphony with every keystroke. Additionally, the LTs provide a seamless glide, ensuring a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic and textured feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is a solid option. With Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, these switches offer a smooth and familiar typing experience. In terms of sound, both switches offer a low-pitched tone, but the LTs are also described as bassy and thocky, providing a deeper and richer sound profile. As for feel, while we don't have specific descriptors for the LT's feel, the MX Blacks are described as textured and stiff, offering a noticeable friction and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and/or bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Black depends on your preferred sound and feel, so make sure to consider your personal preferences when making your decision.
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