Gazzew LT vs. KTT Pine

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gazzew LT and the KTT Pine. Both are linear switches that offer a satisfying typing experience, but they have their own unique characteristics. The Gazzew LT switches are known for their enticing lilac hue and provide an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. They also offer a seamless glide with every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches boast a translucent, forest green appearance and are designed for an effortless typing experience. With a medium-heavy feel, these switches provide a buttery smoothness and minimize friction for smooth key travel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is best for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

KTT Pine Linear

$6.50 per 10

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the KTT Pine differ in terms of their sound profiles. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings, often called "boba plastic," offer a rich and deep sound profile due to their softness. This softness contributes to a smoother and more muted sound when pressing down and releasing keys. In contrast, the Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound when typing.

In terms of aesthetics, the LT's Gazzew blend top housing is not translucent, so it may not be the ideal choice if you plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing is transparent, making it perfect for showcasing vibrant RGB lighting effects. This translucency allows the Pine to achieve a visually stunning look when paired with RGB lighting setups.

Despite their differences, both the LT and Pine benefit from their unique housing materials. The Gazzew blend in the LT's bottom housing and the polycarbonate in the Pine's top housing contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the characteristics of the top housing have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the LT and Pine differ in housing materials, they both provide the user with distinct auditory experiences during typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some notable differences. The LT has an actuation force of an unknown number of grams, while the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Pine requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the LT, assuming the LT's actuation force is higher. Additionally, the LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium. In terms of weight, the Pine is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. These differences mean that the LT may provide a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier push feel, while the Pine offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. However, since the actuation force of the LT is unavailable, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of actuation force. Nevertheless, individuals seeking a lighter switch may prefer the Pine, while those who like a stronger push feel would lean towards the LT assuming it has a higher actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Pine's travel distance of 4 mm. The LT's 3.2 mm travel distance falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Pine's 4 mm travel distance leans towards the more traditional range, providing a deeper and more satisfying key press for those who prefer a hearty depth. While both switches offer a tactile experience, the difference in travel distance allows individuals to choose the one that best suits their preferences for responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gazzew LT and KTT Pine switches offer a deep and rich profile. The LT switches are known for their bassy and thocky sound, giving a satisfying "thud" or "knock" with each press. They also have a low-pitched tone, providing a mellow and bass-heavy sound experience. On the other hand, the Pine switches also offer a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range. The sound produced by both switches will largely depend on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. In terms of sound, you can expect similar results from both switches, with a focus on depth and richness.

Moving on to feel, the LT switches have no specific descriptors available. However, the Pine switches are described as buttery and creamy. This means that typing on the Pine switches provides a smooth and fluid experience, with a seamless and effortless sensation. The keystrokes feel uniform and the switches are built to minimize friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. Although there is no specific information about the feel of the LT switches, based on the descriptions of the Pine switches, it is likely that the LT switches would offer a similar smooth and comfortable typing experience.

Taking all the available information into account, both the Gazzew LT and KTT Pine switches offer subjective qualities that make them appealing to different users. The LT switches are known for their captivating lilac hue and deep thockiness, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Pine switches feature a translucent forest green color and are built for a smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches have qualities that users appreciate, such as a bassy sound profile and smooth keystrokes. While the LT switches have a more specific sound descriptor, the Pine switches provide a detailed description of their feel. Overall, if the user is looking for a switch with a similar sound and feel, either choice would likely provide a satisfying keyboarding experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prioritize a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, both the Gazzew LT and KTT Pine switches offer a bassy option. However, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound, the LT would be the better choice, as it produces a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and mellow tone, both switches would be suitable.

When it comes to feel, the Pine switches are described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine switches minimize friction for a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The LT switches, unfortunately, do not have a specific descriptor for their feel.

Considering the bottom out force, the LT has a slightly higher medium-heavy force of 65 grams compared to the Pine's medium force of 58 grams. This difference may impact typing fatigue and comfort, depending on your preferences and typing style.

Overall, if you are seeking a linear switch with a thocky sound and a lilac hue, the Gazzew LT would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a lower bottom out force and a buttery smooth feel, the KTT Pine switches with their translucent, forest green design would be a better fit. Ultimately, it is important to try out different switches and consider your personal preferences to find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more