Gazzew LT vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew LT and the Cherry MX Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, we find distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The LT is celebrated for its enchanting lilac hue and the satisfying deep thockiness sound it produces with each key press, offering a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response and maximum speed capabilities, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick and precise keystrokes. While both switches share the 'Thocky' and 'Low-pitched' attributes, the LT is described as 'Bassy' while the MX Speed Silver is labeled as 'Textured'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and specific needs. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your typing or gaming experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, it is evident that both utilize softer plastics for their top and bottom housings to create a rich and deep sound profile. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings, also known as "boba plastic," are designed to provide a softer feel when typing, resulting in a more muffled sound that is pleasing to the ears. Similarly, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top and bottom housings offer a similar experience, with nylon's softness allowing for increased sound absorption and a fuller sound profile. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by focusing on the acoustic qualities of their housing materials.
While both switches share a common goal of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile through the use of softer plastic materials, they do have some differences in terms of their specific housing blends. The Gazzew LT's proprietary blend is specifically designed to deliver a rich sound profile that is unique to Gazzew switches, providing users with a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver utilizes nylon for its housing material, a classic choice that is known for its sound-absorbing properties and ability to create a duller, rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately aim to enhance the sound and feel of typing for users who appreciate a softer, more muted sound profile.
As mentioned earlier, the qualities of the housing materials in a switch are split between the top and bottom housings, with each contributing to the overall typing experience in different ways. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. In the case of the Gazzew LT and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile due to the softness of their housing materials, although the specific characteristics of each blend may result in slight differences in the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
The Gazzew LT linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out force. The LT switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver switch has a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. This lighter actuation force may be preferred by some users for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the MX Speed Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the LT. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quick response times. If you are looking for a switch with a faster and more responsive feel, either of these options would be suitable. The subtle difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significantly noticeable in everyday use, so you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and response. Ultimately, the decision between the Gazzew LT and Cherry MX Speed Silver will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key press feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 stands out for its bassy and thocky characteristics, providing a deep and rich auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch also offers a thocky sound profile, with a low-pitched tone that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches are likely to deliver satisfying sound feedback, with the LT offering a potentially deeper sound due to its bassier nature.
Moving on to feel, the Gazzew LT switch's tactile experience is unspecified, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its textured feel. Textured switches can provide a unique typing experience with noticeable friction, which may appeal to users looking for a more tactile feedback during keystrokes. Without specific information regarding the LT's feel, it is possible that users may find a smoother typing experience compared to the textured sensation of the MX Speed Silver switch.
Overall, the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and potentially feel. While both switches offer a thocky sound profile, the LT switch leans towards a bassier tone, while the MX Speed Silver switch has a low-pitched sound. The textured feel of the MX Speed Silver switch may appeal to those seeking a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a smooth typing experience with a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gazzew LT may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize quick responsiveness and maximum speed, especially for gaming applications where every millisecond counts, the Cherry MX Speed Silver could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and specific needs in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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