Gazzew LT vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew LT and Outemu Red mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that they both belong to the linear switch category, offering a smooth keystroke experience without tactile feedback or audible clicks. The Gazzew LT stands out with its enticing lilac hue and deep, resonant thockiness, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red does not have any specific standout features but is known for its reliability and consistency. While the LT offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched typing experience, the Red is more neutral in its characteristics. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.10 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 housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Red switches offer contrasting characteristics. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend plastic in both the top and bottom housing, which is known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Outemu Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to its functionality.
While the top housings of the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Red switches differ significantly in material, both switches share a similar quality in their bottom housings. The Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing and the Outemu Red's nylon bottom housing both contribute to a deep and full sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience, while the Gazzew blend plastic also enhances the richness and depth of the sound profile. Despite these differences, both materials ultimately aim to provide a satisfying tactile and auditory experience for users.
In terms of key feel and sound production, the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Red switches play a crucial role. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. The softer nature of the Gazzew blend bottom housing and the nylon bottom housing in the Outemu Red contribute to a deeper and fuller typing sound. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red results in a crisper and higher-pitched sound, contrasting with the rich and deep sound profile produced by the Gazzew blend plastic in the Gazzew LT. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have some notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The LT switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is quite light, while the Red switch requires 46 grams of force to actuate. In contrast, the LT switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, compared to the Red switch's bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Red switch may be more appealing, as it requires less force to actuate. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Gazzew LT switch, with its heavier bottom out force, may be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The LT switch's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time, while the Red switch's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Red 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 with its deep, bassy, and thocky tones that provide a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch is not available. Therefore, if sound quality is a crucial factor for you, the LT switches are likely to offer a more distinctive and enjoyable typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of either the Gazzew LT or Outemu Red linear switches. Without this information, it is challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of typing feel. However, linear switches generally offer a smooth and consistent keystroke without a tactile bump, making them ideal for fast typists and gamers.
In conclusion, while the Gazzew LT linear switches excel in providing a bassy and thocky sound profile along with a smooth typing experience, the specific characteristics of the Outemu Red linear switches remain unknown. If you are looking for a switch with a unique and satisfying sound profile, the LT switches may be the preferable option. However, if you prioritize other factors such as price or availability, both switches are likely to offer similar performance in terms of feel due to their linear design. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep, resonant thockiness with a seamless glide while typing, the Gazzew LT switch may be the better option for you. The LT offers a unique auditory experience with its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and are not particular about sound characteristics, the Outemu Red switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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