Gazzew LT vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as two exemplary linear options, each offering unique characteristics for different typing experiences. The Gazzew LT is celebrated for its full-bodied “thocky” sound, characterized by its deep resonant tone paired with an enticing lilac hue that adds a touch of aesthetic appeal to any keyboard setup. This switch excels in providing a seamless keystroke experience, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy the auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie combines affordability with quality in a medium-weight all-POM design, delivering a similarly thocky sound profile but with an emphasis on exceptional smoothness throughout each key press. The Smoothie is perfect for users who might be looking for a budget-friendly yet reliable switch without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their merits, catering to different user preferences in the realm of sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it becomes evident that both utilize distinct proprietary materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary plastic blend often referred to as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This blend is noted for its softness, which yields rich, deep sounds upon key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie incorporates POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its housings. POM is renowned for producing unique sound qualities and provides a sound profile that leans towards the deeper side, albeit more muted compared to the Gazzew LT. The inherent materials lead to differences in auditory experience; while the Gazzew blend promotes a brighter, fuller sound, the POM adds a level of subtlety that might appeal to users seeking a softer typing experience.

Both switches showcase top and bottom housings that serve essential roles in the overall auditory and tactile feedback during use. In the Gazzew LT, the synergy of the soft "boba plastic" in both the top and bottom housing creates a uniform sound profile that resonates with depth and quality. This results in a typing experience that feels cohesive as the materials harmonize with each other. Meanwhile, in the case of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, the top and bottom POM housings interact to yield a sound that feels unique yet maintains a muted quality, with the bottom housing significantly influencing the bottom-out experience. While still achieving deeper sound characteristics, the composition of POM provides a different sensation: the smoothness and subtle mutedness of the material lend themselves to an entirely distinct typing experience.

Although the specific materials differ between the Gazzew LT and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both switches can facilitate a gratifying auditory experience. The Gazzew LT's rich, pronounced sound delivered by its "boba plastic" housing can evoke a similar deep acoustic response found in the Sea Salt Smoothie but with its unique characteristics. Both materials, through careful engineering and design, ultimately yield a satisfying typing experience, though the nuances in sound and feel can appeal to different preferences. Users looking for a softer, more pronounced sound may gravitate towards the Gazzew LT, while those who prefer a more muted and smooth sound may find the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie more to their liking. Regardless, both switches hold the potential for high-quality tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction in a keyboard setup.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gazzew LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy, making it more suitable for users who prefer a stronger, more substantial typing experience. However, the actuation force for the LT is listed as unknown, leaving us without a basis for direct comparison regarding how much force is initially required to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, catering to those who enjoy a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. The bottom out force for the Smoothie is also unknown, preventing us from gauging the total resistance when pressing the key fully down. Overall, while the Gazzew LT offers a heavier bottom out force, the lighter actuation force of the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal more to individuals looking for a lighter touch in their keyboard use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see a clear distinction: the Gazzew LT features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the LT switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may be appealing for gamers looking for quick response times. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its greater depth, could be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial keypress that feels less abrupt, providing a sensation of stability and control. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT linear switches deliver an impressive auditory experience characterized by a deep, resonant thockiness. Their low-pitched, bassy tones produce a satisfying "thud" or "knock" during each key press, which many users find both rewarding and enjoyable. The rich sound profile adds an extra layer of engagement to typing, making the LT switches particularly pleasing for those who value auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also boasts a thocky sound profile, which complements its medium-weight design. While specific sound characteristics of the Smoothie were not detailed, it's safe to assume that it shares some similarities in auditory richness with the LT due to its shared thocky nature, further emphasizing how both switches can create a satisfying acoustic presence when used in various keyboard setups.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT switches are recognized for their seamless glide, allowing for smooth keystrokes that can enhance typing speed and comfort. The experience of each press feels refined and consistent, which is a crucial quality sought after in linear switches. Similarly, while we don’t have explicit details on the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it is known for providing exceptional smoothness thanks to its POM construction. This suggests that feel-wise, users might also find great satisfaction in the Smoothie, potentially aligning with the LT's smooth keystroke experience. Both switches appear to cater to those who prioritize a fluid typing experience.

In conclusion, when comparing the Gazzew LT and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, both offer satisfying auditory and tactile qualities that would appeal to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The LT is distinguished by its deep thocky sound and seamless keystrokes, while the Smoothie promises a similar acoustic richness alongside its own brand of smoothness, making it a competitive option in the realm of linear switches. Users looking for a rich and engaging typing experience will likely find joy in either switch, with the potential for comparable results across different keyboard setups.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your preferences in typing feel, sound, and overall experience are crucial factors. If you appreciate a medium-heavy key press with a tactile audio feedback that embodies a resonant thocky sound profile, the Gazzew LT is an excellent choice. Its distinct bassy acoustics and smooth keystrokes can enhance your typing enjoyment, making it particularly appealing for users who value both auditory and haptic satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more budget-friendly option that still maintains quality and smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be your go-to. Although it has an unknown bottom out force, it promises a seamless typing experience with its all-POM construction, making it a potential fit for users who prefer fluidity without the added heft of a heavier switch. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards the satisfying thock of the LT or the balanced smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie while also considering whether you want the auditory depth or a budget-friendly linear experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more