Gazzew LT vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Black both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Gazzew LT, a linear switch, is praised for its distinctive lilac hue and the audible symphony of deep, resonant thockiness that accompanies each keystroke. With a smooth glide and a low-pitched sound profile, the Gazzew LT is ideal for those who enjoy a bassy and thocky typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black, another linear switch, is known for its simplicity and straightforward design. While lacking in specific standout features, the Outemu Black provides a reliable and consistent typing experience with a neutral sound profile. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT features a proprietary plastic blend in both its top and bottom housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Outemu Black utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate also allows for better transmission of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those looking to add visual flair to their keyboard setups. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Black provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the softer Gazzew blend, thanks to its sound-absorbing properties.
While the Gazzew LT's top and bottom housings both contribute to its rich sound profile, the Outemu Black's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound experience. The Gazzew blend's softness creates a mellow sound when keys are pressed, while the nylon material in the Black absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Black produces a more resonant and clear sound, particularly noticeable when keys are released, as the top housing has a significant impact on the sound of key releases.
Overall, the choice between the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Black housing materials ultimately depends on personal preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics. The Gazzew blend offers a soft and rich sound profile, best suited for those looking for a mellow keypress experience, while the Outemu Black's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for users who prefer a more defined typing sound. For those interested in RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the Black offers a visually appealing option that complements illuminated setups. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is clear that the LT is lighter in terms of actuation force with None grams, while the Black requires 65 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the LT has a 65-gram medium-heavy force compared to the Black's heavier 82-gram force. This means that the LT provides a lighter initial typing experience but requires a similar amount of force to fully press the key compared to the Black. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may lean towards the LT, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Black. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct tactile experiences catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Black linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Gazzew LT may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu Black may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10.
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, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. The auditory experience of typing on the LT switches can be likened to a symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Black linear switch is currently unavailable. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is not solely determined by the switch itself but is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, details about the tactile experience of typing on the Gazzew LT linear switch are currently unavailable. Regarding the Outemu Black linear switch, information on its tactile feel is also missing. As such, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of how they feel during use.
Given the available information, it is clear that the Gazzew LT linear switch is praised for its unique auditory qualities, offering a deep and satisfying sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Conversely, details about the sound and feel of the Outemu Black linear switch are currently unknown, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive comparison between the two switches. However, it is worth noting that in cases where specific qualities are not explicitly mentioned, it is reasonable to assume that similar results may be achieved with both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT and Outemu Black linear switches may come down to personal preference based on factors such as sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gazzew LT linear switch or the Outemu Black linear switch, you should take into account their specific characteristics. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly deep and resonant thocky sound profile, the Gazzew LT switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a linear switch without a specific sound profile preference, the Outemu Black switches could be a better fit for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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