Gazzew LT vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gazzew LT and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Gazzew LT switches are widely recognized for their lilac hue and offer an incredible auditory experience with their deep and resonant thockiness. Their seamless glide with every keystroke adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches from KTT showcase the potential of a linear switch. With a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, they offer a buttery smooth typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon switches are also categorized as low-pitched and neutral. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects. Therefore, while the LT's top housing offers a softer and more mellow sound, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing produces a brighter and more vibrant audio experience.
In terms of their bottom housings, both switches feature different materials with distinct sound characteristics. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, like its top housing, delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon being a softer plastic material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder audio experience compared to harder plastics. Therefore, while the Gazzew LT's bottom housing exhibits a softer and more resonant sound, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and more muted sound.
When using either switch, the impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the Gazzew LT's bottom housing will play a significant role in the tactile experience when pressing down on a key, resulting in a softer and more cushioned feel. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and more muffled sensation upon keypress. On the other hand, the impact of the top housing becomes more apparent when releasing a key, as it affects the sound produced. Thus, the Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing contributes to a mellow and rich sound when releasing a key, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing creates a brighter and crisper audio response.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences. The LT switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to directly compare to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams. However, the LT switch has a relatively heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Sea Salt Lemon, as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation force can be advantageous for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may opt for the LT switch, as its heavier bottom-out force provides a stronger push feel. This can be beneficial for users who prefer a more tactile and responsive keystroke.
While the exact actuation force of the LT switch is unknown, the difference in bottom-out force suggests that the LT switch may provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. However, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom-out forces, ensuring a balanced and responsive typing experience. Therefore, users looking for similar results in terms of actuation and bottom-out forces can consider either option, with the LT switch offering a potentially heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The LT switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon switch travels a greater distance from the top to the bottom compared to the LT switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Sea Salt Lemon switch falls within the more traditional range, providing a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the 3.2 mm travel distance of the LT switch offers a shorter distance, which is often preferred by gamers for its faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the LT switch with its shorter travel distance would be the suitable option. However, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper key press, the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Both switches offer distinct experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 switch offers a deep and resonant thockiness that is characterized by a lower frequency range. This results in a satisfying "thud" or "knock" sound when the key is pressed and released. Additionally, the LTs are described as bassy, offering a rich and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is also described as low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. It is also considered neutral in terms of sound, making it suitable for a wide range of users. It is important to note that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, information about the Gazzew LT linear switch is not available. However, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that the typing sensation offered by these switches is gentle and approachable, making them suitable for most users. With their buttery smooth feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switch is known for its deep and resonant thockiness in terms of sound, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a more low-pitched and mellow sound profile. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the LTs being described as offering a seamless glide and the Sea Salt Lemons delivering a buttery smooth feel. It is important to consider personal preferences and the specific use case when choosing between these switches, but rest assured that both options will provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values deep, resonant thockiness and a seamless glide with every keystroke, the Gazzew LT linear switch is the choice for you. With their enticing lilac hue, these switches offer an auditory symphony that is best characterized as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience and a more moderate sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be a great fit. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design provide a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be, with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Additionally, if you want a more mild typing experience that is approachable to most, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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