Gazzew LT vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, some key differences immediately stand out. The Gazzew LT, with its enticing lilac hue, offers a unique auditory experience with deep, resonant thockiness that is both satisfying and immersive. Known for its seamless glide with every keystroke, the LT is categorized as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a linear switch with a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch lacks a specific standout feature but is known for its balanced feel. This might appeal to those who prefer a more neutral and traditional typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 and the Outemu Crystal Brown both offer unique housing materials for mechanical switches, but they provide different sound profiles due to their material composition. The LT's "boba plastic" top housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness, while the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This means that the LT switch might be favored by those looking for a softer and more muted typing experience, while the Crystal Brown switch could be more appealing to those who prefer a clear and resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Gazzew LT features a proprietary "boba plastic" blend that also contributes to its rich and deep sound profile, while the Crystal Brown utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gazzew LT. This difference in sound quality could make the Crystal Brown switch more suitable for those looking for a quieter and more muffled typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Crystal Brown will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel. While the LT's top and bottom housings both contribute to a rich and deep sound profile, the Crystal Brown switch offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing combination. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, but users should consider whether they prefer a softer, more muted sound (LT) or a clearer, crisper sound (Crystal Brown) when selecting the housing material for their mechanical switches.
Weight
The Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. The actuation force of the LT is not specified, while the Crystal Brown has a fairly light actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crystal Brown, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the LT may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the weight of a switch is a personal preference, as some may prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer a heavier push for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the LT switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown switch may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response speed. Both switches offer unique experiences, so choosing between them will result in different typing experiences, even though the travel distances are not dramatically different.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Crystal Brown 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, offering a deep and rich auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Gazzew LT linear switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch. Without this data, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of tactile feedback, actuation force, and overall typing feel.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch that delivers a bassy and thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke experience, the Gazzew LT linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if tactile feedback and typing feel are more important to you, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch may be worth considering, although additional information would be needed to make a more informed decision. In general, both switches have their unique qualities, and depending on your personal preferences, either one could provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, you should take into account the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep, resonant thocky sound profile with a seamless glide, then the Gazzew LT may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are interested in a switch that offers a more tactile typing experience without any specific sound characteristics, then the Outemu Crystal Brown could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and key feel.
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