Gazzew LT vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew LT and Outemu Silent Grey offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gazzew LT, a linear switch, stands out with its deep, resonant thockiness and smooth keystrokes, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a bassy and low-pitched typing sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, provides a quiet yet highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump for satisfying feedback. While the LT excels in providing an auditory symphony with each keystroke, the Silent Grey focuses on delivering a silent and tactile typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 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's housing materials, both top and bottom, are made of a proprietary plastic blend that is known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey's housing materials consist of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffness, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. The difference in material composition between the two switches leads to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences.
While the Gazzew LT's top and bottom housing materials are the same proprietary Gazzew blend, the Outemu Silent Grey utilizes different materials for each part. The Gazzew blend top housing offers a softer, more muffled sound profile that is deep and rich, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey provides a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder. This contrast in housing materials results in a unique auditory and tactile experience for each switch, appealing to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of sound and feel, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience. While the Gazzew LT's housing materials contribute to a softer and richer sound profile throughout the keystroke, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Outemu Silent Grey divides the qualities of sharpness and absorption between the top and bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and tactile feedback, as the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see that the LT has a lighter actuation force compared to the Silent Grey, with an actuation force of None grams for the LT and 50 grams for the Silent Grey. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in that aspect. The LT provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler typing experience, while the Silent Grey offers a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force, with the LT being lighter and the Silent Grey being heavier in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The LT provides a quicker response time, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Grey offers a deeper key press experience, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the LT being on the shorter end and the Silent Grey on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey 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
The Gazzew LT linear switch is renowned for its deep, resonant thockiness, providing a satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, ideal for those who value tactility and silence. While the LTs are characterized by their bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, the Silent Grey switches do not have any specific sound descriptors provided. When it comes to feel, unfortunately, there is no information available for either switch. It is important to note that the feel of a switch is subjective and can vary based on personal preference and typing style. In conclusion, both the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and potentially feel. If you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy sound with a linear switch, the LT would be a great choice. However, if you seek a tactile switch with a pronounced bump and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Grey may be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you enjoy a deep, resonant thocky sound with smooth keystrokes and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gazzew LT switches may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing style for the ultimate mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
