Gazzew LT vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, there are various switch options to consider, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. Two popular choices are the Gazzew LT and the Durock Piano, both linear switches with distinctive features. The Gazzew LT, with its alluring lilac hue, not only provides a visually pleasing experience but also offers an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. Typing on these switches feels seamless, as they provide a glide with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out with its proprietary material blend, resulting in one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. Users often mention a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature when using these switches. Categorized as "Bassy" and offering a "Frictionless" and "Silky" experience, the Durock Piano adds a touch of elegance to your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and the Durock Piano utilize different proprietary blends for their housing materials. The LT features a Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the Piano incorporates a POM blend top and bottom housing, the exact details of which remain undisclosed. However, it is known that this POM blend offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both switches aim to deliver a desirable sound experience, the specific qualities of their housing materials differ.
When it comes to the Gazzew LT, the softness of the boba plastic in the bottom housing specifically impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This softer material allows for a more cushioned and satisfying sensation when pressing down on the keys. On the contrary, the Durock Piano's POM blend bottom housing likely possesses distinct properties that contribute to its own bottom-out sound and feel. Although undisclosed, it is reasonable to assume that the POM blend material offers its own unique tactile experience.
Despite their differences in material composition, the top housing of both switches plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the LT's Gazzew blend top housing brings about a rich and deep sound profile upon key release, the specific impact of the Piano's POM blend top housing on the sound remains unknown. Nevertheless, it is evident that both switches prioritize delivering a satisfying sound experience when letting go of a key.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT and the Durock Piano differentiate themselves with their distinctive housing materials. The LT employs a Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, renowned as "boba plastic," providing a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Conversely, the Piano employs a POM blend top and bottom housing that offers its own uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Despite these distinctions, both switches ensure a pleasant sound experience, with the bottom housing primarily influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, some similarities and differences arise. Starting with the actuation force, the specific gram measurements are unavailable for both switches, making it challenging to make a direct comparison. However, we can assume that they are similar as no distinction is mentioned. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gazzew LT requires a force of 65 grams, which can be categorized as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Durock Piano has a slightly lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling within the medium-heavy range. Therefore, it is safe to say that both switches offer a comparable typing experience in terms of bottoming out.
Considering weight, it is worth noting that some users may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions without fatigue, especially when using the keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience might opt for switches with a heavier actuation or bottom out force. While the specific weights of the actuation force are unknown for both the LT and Piano switches, their bottom out forces suggest that they are relatively similar in terms of heaviness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Piano switch falls into the traditional range of travel distances, while the LT switch is on the shorter end. Shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the LT switch would be the preferable option. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper keystroke, the Piano switch with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Both switches offer unique experiences, catered to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 and resonant thockiness, creating an auditory symphony that is highly satisfying to type on. The switches produce a bass-heavy sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Typing on the LT switches offers a seamless glide, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. As for the Durock Piano linear switch, it is famous for its proprietary material blend that contributes to a pleasant typing feel. Users often notice a gliding push sensation when typing on the Piano switches, accompanied by a deep and creamy sound signature. The Piano switches also fall into the bassy category, offering a similar deep and rich sound quality as the LT switches. While the LT switches excel in both sound and feel, the Piano switches prioritize a frictionless and silky typing experience. Overall, both switches deliver subjective qualities that are highly desirable in linear switches, and users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a deep, resonant thockiness and a seamless glide in your typing experience, the Gazzew LT linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With their enticing lilac hue, these switches offer a unique and satisfying auditory symphony with every keystroke. Additionally, the LTs provide a smooth glide that enhances the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you value a pleasant and creamy sound signature while typing, the Durock Piano linear switch would be a great option. These switches, thanks to their proprietary material blend, offer a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound that adds a touch of elegance to your typing experience.
In terms of sound, both switches are described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. However, the LTs are also characterized as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deeper and more satisfying sound compared to the Pianos.
When it comes to feel, the LT switches do not have specific descriptors, while the Pianos are described as frictionless and silky. These qualities contribute to an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing and releasing the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT and the Durock Piano depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a deep thockiness and a seamless glide (LT) or a creamy sound signature and a silky typing feel (Piano), both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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