Gazzew LT vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a similar low-pitched and thocky sound signature. The Gazzew LT stands out with its beautiful lilac hue and deep, resonant thockiness, providing a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie boasts an all-POM construction that offers remarkable smoothness, a buttery touch, and a more subdued sound profile. While the LT excels in its unique color and deep thockiness, the Smoothie impresses with its affordability, smooth keystrokes, and creamy 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Smoothie are both designed to enhance sound profiles and offer unique typing experiences. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary plastic blend for both the top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," that delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie uses POM material for its top and bottom housings, creating a more muted and deeper sound profile that is also pleasing and unique. While both switches aim to provide a deep sound, the LT's housing material may offer a softer typing experience compared to the Smoothie's.
In terms of sound production, the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and Gateron Smoothie play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The Gazzew LT's "boba plastic" blend is designed to create a rich and deep sound profile that is particularly noticeable when letting go of a key. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie's POM material contributes to a muted and deep sound that is more prevalent during typing and bottoming out. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences – with the LT focusing on a softer sound while the Smoothie delivers a more muted typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and Gateron Smoothie may differ in composition, their ultimate goal is to enhance the typing experience through distinctive sound profiles. The LT's proprietary "boba plastic" blend provides a soft and rich sound that is felt more when letting go of a key, creating a unique typing experience. Conversely, the Smoothie's POM material generates a deeper and more muted sound that is prominent during typing and bottoming out. Despite their differences, both switches aim to offer a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it becomes clear that they offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The LT switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch has a lower actuation force of 40 grams but does not specify a bottom out force. This means that the LT switch may offer a heavier typing experience overall, while the Smoothie switch may feel lighter and potentially more responsive. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with some preferring the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie for extended typing sessions and others opting for the heavier bottom out force of the LT for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. The LT offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Smoothie provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer variations in travel distance that cater to different preferences, with the LT being on the shorter end and the Smoothie on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance in a switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 Gateron Smoothie switches offer a thocky and deep sound profile, with the LT switches being described as bassy and low-pitched as well. The LT switches provide a rich, resonant thockiness that creates a satisfying auditory experience, while the Smoothie switches offer a thocky sound signature with a more subdued tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference, with the LT switches delivering a potentially deeper and more bass-heavy sound compared to the Smoothie switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie switches are often described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. While the Gazzew LT switches do not have a specific feel descriptor provided in the information, we can infer that they likely offer a similarly smooth typing experience based on their reputation for seamless glide with every keystroke. Both switches prioritize a lightweight touch and remarkable smoothness, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Overall, both the Gazzew LT and Gateron Smoothie switches excel in delivering a thocky sound profile and a smooth typing experience. With the LT switches providing a potentially deeper and more bass-heavy sound compared to the Smoothie switches, users can choose between the two based on their preferred sound signature. However, in terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery and smooth typing experience, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gazzew LT linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, your decision will ultimately come down to your preferred typing experience. If you prioritize a deeper, richer sound profile with a bass-heavy and thocky tone, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Gazzew LT switches might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth, buttery typing experience with a thocky sound signature, and a lighter touch without a specified bottom out force, then the Gateron Smoothie switches could be the ideal choice for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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