Gazzew LT vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Purple offer distinct typing experiences. The Gazzew LT, a linear switch, is loved for its enticing lilac hue and the deep, resonant thockiness it produces with every keystroke. Known for its seamless glide and categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the LT provides a unique auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, doesn't have a specific standout feature mentioned. However, tactile switches are typically appreciated for their feedback and bump during typing, offering a different typing experience compared to linear switches. While these general pointers can help in making a decision, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help you choose the best one for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Purple, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles based on their composition. The Gazzew LT's top housing, made of a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic," promotes a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. While the Gazzew LT focuses on delivering a more mellow and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Purple aims for a clearer and more resonant sound with a touch of sharpness.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend and the Outemu Purple's nylon housing also provide distinct sound profiles. The Gazzew LT's bottom housing contributes to a rich and deep sound, similar to its top housing, due to its soft composition. Meanwhile, the Purple's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer nature. This results in a quieter and more rounded typing experience compared to the Gazzew LT's bottom housing.
Overall, while the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Purple both provide unique sound profiles with their top and bottom housing materials, they cater to different preferences in typing experiences. The Gazzew LT's focus on rich and deep sounds from both the top and bottom housing creates a cohesive and mellow typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Purple's combination of a crisp and sharp top housing with a soft and round bottom housing offers a balance between clarity and depth in sound. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, either switch can provide a satisfying experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. The actuation force of the LT is not specified, while the bottom out force of the Purple is unknown. In terms of weight, the LT would be considered heavier than the Purple. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Purple may be the better choice, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the LT. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch. This means that the LT switch offers a quicker key press response compared to the Purple switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the LT switch for this reason. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Purple switch provides a more pronounced key press experience, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness. Despite their differences in travel distance, both switches are designed to provide optimal typing experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Purple 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 switches are best known for their deep, resonant thockiness that provides a satisfying auditory experience. The bassy nature of the LT switches offers a rich sound profile with a low-pitched tone that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Purple tactile switches. 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.
As for feel, there is no specific information available regarding the typing experience of either the Gazzew LT linear switches or the Outemu Purple tactile switches. However, based on personal experiences and general knowledge of switch types, linear switches like the LT typically offer a smooth keystroke with consistent force required for activation, while tactile switches like the Purple provide tactile feedback and a noticeable bump during actuation.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switches are known for their satisfying thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, offering a tactile experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switches may also provide a tactile typing experience with a unique feel, although specific information about their sound and feel qualities is currently unavailable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but both options are likely to offer a satisfactory experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth glide and a deep, resonant thocky sound profile, the Gazzew LT may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force specification and are looking for a tactile experience with unique features, the Outemu Purple switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style, so choose the switch that best aligns with what you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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