Gazzew LT vs. KTT Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Gazzew LT and the KTT Orange. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, making them suitable for different types of typists. The Gazzew LT switches are known for their enticing lilac hue and deliver an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness, making typing a truly satisfying experience. These linear switches also provide a seamless glide with every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches come with a 22mm long spring, offering a bouncy type feel. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a slick, frictionless typing experience. Additionally, their low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall pleasant feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

KTT Orange Linear

$6.50 per 10

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew LT and the KTT Orange differ in their housing materials, with the LT featuring a proprietary Gazzew blend and the Orange utilizing polycarbonate. The Gazzew blend is known for its softness, delivering a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, the Gazzew blend is not translucent, while polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency.

In terms of the bottom housings, both the Gazzew LT and the KTT Orange utilize their respective proprietary plastic blends. This means that both switches deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to the softness of the housing materials. However, since the Orange's bottom housing is made of polycarbonate, it may provide a slightly sharper and more resonant sound profile compared to the LT's bottom housing. Aesthetically, the Orange's clear polycarbonate bottom housing allows for a visual element if one plans to use RGB lighting.

On the other hand, the top housing of both switches differs significantly. The Gazzew LT's top housing is made of their proprietary Gazzew blend, resulting in a softer sound profile. In contrast, the Orange's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for better compatibility with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key.

Overall, while the Gazzew LT and the KTT Orange share similarities in their bottom housings, the differences in their top housings contribute to varying sound profiles. The Gazzew blend offers a softer sound, while polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches, however, provide options for those interested in incorporating RGB lighting into their setup, with the use of translucent polycarbonate in the top housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Gazzew LT switch has an actuation force that is listed as unavailable, making it difficult to determine its specific value. However, it does have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch has a lower actuation force of 46 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the LT switch. Additionally, the KTT Orange switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is classified as medium-light.

Considering the weight aspect, it is worth noting that the Gazzew LT switch is likely heavier due to its higher bottom out force. This can provide users with a more substantial typing experience, as some individuals prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a lighter actuation force, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of typing, making it suitable for individuals who bring their keyboards to work or partake in extended gaming sessions.

While the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ, they both offer desirable characteristics depending on users' preferences. If one is seeking a switch with a heavier force, the Gazzew LT switch would be the suitable choice as it has a higher bottom out force. On the other hand, if a lighter force is desired, the KTT Orange switch provides a lower actuation force. In both cases, users can achieve their desired typing experience, whether it be a stronger push feel or a lighter touch, resulting in similar results based on individual preferences.

Travel distance

The Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have different travel distances. The LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. This makes them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, the Orange, with its longer travel distance, would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT switches are best known for their deep and resonant "thockiness", resulting in a satisfying auditory experience. These switches offer a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. While both switches share a low-pitched characteristic, the LT switches are further described as thocky, which adds to their unique sound profile. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, there is not enough information available to provide a specific description of how the Gazzew LT switches feel. However, the KTT Orange switches are characterized as bouncy and frictionless. With the use of a 22mm long spring, these switches offer a bounce-like sensation, providing a lively and elastic feedback when pressed. Additionally, thanks to their frictionless nature, the key travel of the Orange switches is smooth and effortless, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction.

Considering all the available information, the Gazzew LT and KTT Orange switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the LT switches provide a deep and resonant thockiness with their bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the Orange switches offer a more mellow and low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the LT switches' characteristics are unknown, while the Orange switches are described as bouncy and frictionless, providing a lively and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, it is important to consider personal preferences and try out these switches firsthand to determine which one suits your individual typing style and preferences.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, if you prioritize a deep and resonant sound profile with every keystroke, the Gazzew LT linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With their enticing lilac hue, these switches offer a bassy and thocky sound, resembling a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. Additionally, the LTs provide a seamless glide with every keystroke, ensuring a smooth and satisfying typing experience.

On the other hand, if you value a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange linear switch would be more suitable for you. These switches come with a 22mm long spring that offers a lively and elastic feedback sensation, providing rebound when pressed. The Orange switches also feature excellent factory-lubing, resulting in a refined and fluid key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness.

In terms of sound, both switches have a low-pitched tone, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the LT switches also have a distinct thockiness to their sound, adding an extra layer of depth and richness.

While the LT switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, and the Orange switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, the difference in force might not significantly impact your decision unless you have specific preferences regarding key resistance.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a deep and resonant sound profile with a seamless glide, go for the LT switches. If you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a refined and fluid key travel, opt for the Orange switches. Consider the sound and feel descriptions to determine which switch aligns better with your desired typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

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KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more