Gazzew LT vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often hinges on personal preference for sound and feel. The Gazzew LT, renowned for its captivating lilac color, delivers a distinct auditory experience characterized by a deep, resonant thockiness and a seamless keystroke glide. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a rich acoustic profile while typing, making it a favorite among those seeking a more engaging tactile sensation during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood offers a similarly deep sound signature right out of the box, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that results in a smooth experience for typists who prioritize both auditory feedback and fluidity in their keystrokes. While both switches excel in providing a satisfying thocky sound and smooth operation, they cater to slightly different aesthetic tastes and user experiences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Akko Rosewood switches exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly affect their auditory characteristics and tactile experiences. The Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary blend of plastics commonly referred to as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housing. This material is noted for its softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features top and bottom housings made from nylon, a classic switch housing material. Like the Gazzew blend, nylon is also a relatively soft plastic. As such, both materials inherently promote a similar acoustic quality, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile, making them comparable in this aspect.
While both switch types feature soft plastic compositions that enhance sound dampening and layering, the specific materials lead to nuanced differences in performance. The Gazzew blend, with its proprietary formulation, may provide unique characteristics that differentiate it from standard nylon. For users, this means that while both switches may ultimately offer a deep auditory experience, the subtleties introduced by the Gazzew blend could yield distinct tactile sensations or auditory nuances during key presses. This contrast is essential for keyboard enthusiasts seeking specific sensory feedback from their typing experiences.
Furthermore, the impact of the housing materials on the switches’ behavior is significant. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and sensation, while the top housing affects the sound profile when releasing a key. Since both the Gazzew LT and Akko Rosewood utilize soft plastics in their construction, the auditory results when bottoming out or releasing a key will exhibit a cohesive depth and richness. Nonetheless, the proprietary qualities of the Gazzew blend may slightly alter the experience when compared to the more standardized nylon of the Rosewood. Thus, even with overlapping characteristics, there lies a potential for distinct user experiences based on the nuances of each material's composition.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The LT switch has an unspecified actuation force and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the LT switch, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience, likely preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing. Conversely, the Rosewood’s lighter actuation force allows for easier keystrokes, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. Therefore, for users seeking a lighter switch, the Akko Rosewood is the better choice, while those who prefer a heavier feel may gravitate towards the Gazzew LT. Overall, if the actuation force of the LT were known and comparable to the Rosewood, one could expect similar typing experiences based on individual preferences for weight and force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the LT featuring a travel distance of 3.2 mm and the Rosewood measuring 4 mm. The Gazzew LT's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those looking for quicker response times, aligning with the recent trends favoring more responsive switches. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced actuation experience that many users may appreciate for its depth and feedback. Therefore, while the LT switch facilitates a faster keypress, the Rosewood provides a fuller keystroke that some may prefer for daily typing tasks. In essence, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Gazzew LT is the better choice, whereas the Akko Rosewood appeals to those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile feel in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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, both the Gazzew LT and Akko Rosewood linear switches present a captivating auditory experience, although there are subtle nuances that differentiate them. The LT switches are characterized by their deep, resonant "thocky" sound, embodying a rich bassiness that enhances the overall typing experience. Users can expect a satisfying impact akin to a gentle thud with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Rosewood switches also deliver a deep, satisfying thocky sound, further enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that contributes to an even smoother audio profile. While both switches produce low-pitched, fulfilling sounds, the added lubrication in the Rosewood may provide a slightly muted and refined auditory quality compared to the LT switches.
In terms of feel, the LT switches shine with an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. The seamless glide they offer ensures that each press is fluid and effortless, leading to an enjoyable typing experience. Unfortunately, the specific tactile feel of the Rosewood switches isn't detailed, leaving a gap in comparative understanding. However, it is generally expected that if the sound is similarly satisfying, the feel may also fall into a comparable territory, providing a nice balance of a smooth linear experience.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew LT and Akko Rosewood linear switches cater to enthusiasts seeking a deep and satisfying sound profile, making them excellent choices for those who appreciate rich auditory feedback while typing. The LT switches are notorious for their smoothness, which enhances the overall keystroke experience, although the tactile qualities of the Rosewood switches remain unknown. Ultimately, users might find that either switch offers a pleasurable experience, with the LT leaning more towards pronounced smoothness while the Rosewood brings a touch of refinement with its lubricant. If you're aiming for similar auditory results, either choice will serve you well, though you may prefer one switch's feel or sound over the other depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you prefer a heavier keystroke with a more pronounced auditory feedback that features a rich thockiness, the Gazzew LT switch would be the ideal choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams provides a solid and satisfying typing experience, making it particularly suited for users who appreciate a deeper sound profile and seamless key glide. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy an equally satisfying sound that is enhanced by factory lubrication, the Akko Rosewood switch might be the better option for you. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it allows for quicker and easier actuation, making it great for rapid typing or gaming sessions. In summary, choose the Gazzew LT for a more robust auditory sensation and heavier feel, while opting for the Akko Rosewood will give you a lighter touch and an enjoyable typing experience with pleasing sound straight from the box. Each switch has its own charm, so consider your typing style and preferences as you make your decision.
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