Gazzew LT vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct experiences are the Gazzew LT and the KTT Purple Click. The Gazzew LT switches, with their alluring lilac hue, are best known for their deep, resonant thockiness. Typing on these linear switches is like indulging in an auditory symphony with each keystroke. Not only do they provide a satisfying sound, but the LTs also offer a seamless glide that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switches, also known as Purple Sauce, offer a delightful high-pitched click that is both satisfying and invigorating. These clicky switches strike a perfect equilibrium between a light keystroke and a pronounced tactility, making typing an enjoyable and immersive experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the KTT Purple Click switches have distinct differences, resulting in varied sound profiles. The LT utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often called "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. While both materials offer unique sound experiences, the LT's Gazzew blend creates a softer and more mellow tone, while the Purple Click's polycarbonate provides a more vibrant and defined sound.
Moving down to the bottom housing, the Gazzew LT continues to utilize its proprietary "boba plastic" blend. This soft and flexible material contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, creating a dulled and rounder sound due to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature also absorbs more sound, resulting in a similar duller and rounder sound experience as the Gazzew LT's bottom housing material.
It is important to note that the choice of housing material for a switch's top and bottom housing greatly affects the sound and feel. While the Gazzew LT and the KTT Purple Click differ in their top and bottom housing materials, they both offer distinct sound profiles. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing material will have a larger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the LT and the Purple Click have their unique materials, their overall sound experiences can still be similar when taking into account the influence of each housing on the switch's sound production.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gazzew LT switch has an actuation force of an unknown amount of grams, making it difficult to determine the exact pressure required to trigger a keystroke. However, its bottom out force is 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch has a lower actuation force of 40 grams, allowing for a lighter touch to activate a keystroke. Additionally, its bottom out force is 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light category.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the KTT Purple Click switch as it requires less force for actuation, perfect for extended typing sessions or long gaming periods. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gazzew LT switch, which provides a heavier push feel due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that the Purple Click has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the LT has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common, it is important to consider personal preferences and use cases. Gamers, for instance, often favor shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. In this case, the LT switch may be the preferred option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and deliberate feel when typing, the 4 mm travel distance of the Purple Click switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT linear switches offer a deep, resonant "thockiness" that creates an auditory symphony. These switches have a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a satisfying sound reminiscent of a soft "knock" or a deep "thud". On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switches are known for their high-pitched, satisfying click. The sound profile of these switches is clean, sharp, and resonant. The clicks produced by the Purple Click switches can be likened to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Ultimately, both switches offer unique and enjoyable sound profiles, with the LT switches being bassy and thocky, while the Purple Click switches deliver a satisfying, crunchy click.
Moving on to feel, unfortunately, information about the feel of the Gazzew LT linear switches is not available. As for the KTT Purple Click clicky switches, they are described as invigorating due to their pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and snappy and reactive feel. These switches provide an immersive typing sensation, making each keystroke feel satisfying and responsive. Additionally, the Purple Click switches are compared to stepped switches, which means they offer some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more mild tactile feel compared to hypertactile switches.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the Gazzew LT linear switches and the KTT Purple Click clicky switches have their own unique qualities. The LT switches excel in sound, offering a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched auditory experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switches provide a satisfying and higher-pitched click, creating a resonant and crunchy sound. In terms of feel, detailed information about the LT switches is unknown, but the Purple Click switches are described as invigorating and stepped, providing pronounced feedback and a reactive typing experience. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer subjective qualities that can greatly enhance one's typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant thockiness, the Gazzew LT linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a seamless glide with every keystroke and provide an auditory symphony of satisfying thock sounds. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone during key presses, the LT switches are sure to please your ears.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying click with every keystroke, the KTT Purple Click switch would be the ideal option for you. Known for its fairly high-pitched and crisp click, the Purple Click switch offers a perfect equilibrium of light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. If you enjoy the sound of autumn leaves crunching underfoot and a clean, sharp auditory experience, the Purple Click switches are the way to go.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the LT switches do not have specific descriptors provided, so it is important to try them out for yourself to determine if the feel meets your typing preferences. However, if you are seeking an invigorating typing sensation or a switch that offers a mild, stepped feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, the Purple Click switches would be a suitable choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch depends on your individual preferences for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the description of each switch's attributes to determine which one aligns best with your needs and desires.
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