Gazzew LT vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Orange stand out as compelling options, each catering to distinct preferences and typing experiences. The Gazzew LT, famed for its eye-catching lilac hue, offers a unique auditory experience with its deep, resonant thockiness, providing a satisfying acoustic feedback that many typists appreciate. With a smooth and seamless glide during keystrokes, these switches are ideal for those who enjoy an immersive tactile journey while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches are a revival of a classic, featuring enhancements that cater to long-time Cherry enthusiasts. Known for their reliability and performance, they deliver a balanced experience suitable for both typing and gaming. While the Gazzew LT leans towards a thocky, bassy feel, the MX Orange brings a nostalgic touch with improved durability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$6.50 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Orange offer a fascinating comparison, particularly in how they influence the sound profile during typing. The LT utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housings. This material is noted for its softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, effectively absorbing vibrations and preventing sharp, harsh sounds. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange incorporates nylon as its housing material. While nylon is a more traditional choice, it similarly excels in sound dampening due to its softer characteristics. Both switches are designed to deliver a deeper, fuller sound, thus highlighting a commonality between them despite their different material compositions.

When examining the bottom housing specifically, both the Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Orange lean on softer plastics to enhance their acoustic properties. Just like the Gazzew blend, the nylon used in the MX Orange bottom housing also serves to absorb sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Due to these similarities, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality when both switches are engaged. The impact of the bottom housing is significant, as it primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses. In this regard, gamers and typists alike may notice that pressing either switch results in an overall enjoyable tactile experience due to the absorption capabilities of the materials used.

The key difference arises when considering the performance of the top housings. The Gazzew LT’s proprietary blend and the MX Orange's nylon both have unique sound characteristics; however, the LT may have a slight edge in maximizing the acoustics due to its specially formulated blend. The difference in top housing may lead to variations in sound upon key release, thus creating a slightly different auditory signature when typing. Despite these distinctions, those seeking either switch will still appreciate a plush sound profile; each material offers unique yet complementary benefits, making both options appealing to users who value auditory feedback and a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom-out forces of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we observe notable differences. The Gazzew LT has an unknown actuation force but a bottom-out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a clearly defined actuation force of 55 grams but lacks data on its bottom-out force. As a result, we can conclude that the Cherry MX Orange is the lighter switch due to its lower actuation force while the Gazzew LT provides a heavier experience when bottoming out. Users who prefer lighter switches, which can make typing easier over long periods, would likely gravitate toward the Cherry MX Orange. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel may find the heavier bottom-out of the Gazzew LT more satisfying. Overall, while the specific actuation and bottom-out forces differ between the two switches, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for weight and typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the LT switch features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, whereas the MX Orange has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Gazzew LT offers a shorter journey when pressing down on the key, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quicker responses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for typing or a more deliberate input. Ultimately, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the Gazzew LT would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback might lean toward the Cherry MX Orange's longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When examining the sound qualities of the Gazzew LT linear switch, it becomes evident that they are designed to deliver an auditory experience characterized by a deep, thocky resonance. The bassy nature of these switches results in a low-pitched sound profile that offers a satisfying auditory feedback during key presses. This gives users a sense of engagement with each keystroke, as the rich tonal quality evokes depth and richness akin to a finely tuned musical instrument. In contrast, while the Cherry MX Orange switches do not have a detailed description available, they are known for their reliability and are likely to produce a sound profile that is less nuanced. Thus, while the LT may offer a more refined audio experience, the MX Orange will still deliver clarity typical of Cherry switches.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT switches are noted for their seamless glide, which enhances the overall typing experience by providing a smooth and responsive action with every keystroke. While specific details about the tactile feedback of the LT are not provided, the design emphasizes fluidity, making for a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the tactile feedback and feel of the Cherry MX Orange switches remain unspecified as well. Despite this lack of detail, Cherry switches are generally praised for their durability and consistent performance over time, hinting that the MX Orange could offer a reliable and satisfying tactile feedback akin to their renowned counterparts.

In conclusion, while the Gazzew LT linear switches stand out for their deep, thocky sound and seamless glide that enhance the typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange remains a solid choice, albeit with less detailed audio and tactile feedback information available. Those seeking a more immersive and resonant sound will lean towards the LT, while those who prioritize reliability in their typing experience may find satisfaction in the MX Orange. Ultimately, it will depend on personal preference—both switches are poised to provide commendable performance, each with its unique focus on either sound or tactile engagement.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch, it's essential to consider both your typing preferences and the auditory experience you desire. If you appreciate a heavier key press and enjoy a deeper auditory feedback with a rich thocky sound, the Gazzew LT switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its 65-gram bottom-out force offers a satisfying tactile resistance that could enhance your typing experience, particularly if you spend long hours typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that combines reliability and history, the Cherry MX Orange is a worthy contender. Although the specifics of the MX Orange's bottom-out force are currently unspecified, its reissue and upgrades stand testament to its quality and durability—ideal for users who prefer a straightforward switch that still offers solid performance. Ultimately, if you're drawn to a lively typing experience with pronounced sound, the Gazzew LT will be more to your liking, while the Cherry MX Orange suits those who prioritize a well-regarded brand with proven comfort for everyday use.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more