Gazzew LT vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the KTT Strawberry 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 Strawberry. The Gazzew LT switches are renowned for their enticing lilac hue and offer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant "thockiness." With a seamless glide and a category of being "bassy," "thocky," and "low-pitched," these switches provide a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches feature attractive pink and clear housings and are known for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Being categorized as "low-pitched," "frictionless," "silky," "buttery," and "polished," these switches offer a pleasant and effortless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision about which switch is best suited for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and the KTT Strawberry have noticeably different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," offers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material affects the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch. Additionally, the LT's Gazzew blend bottom housing, similar to its top housing, delivers a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and clearer sound.
While the LT and the Strawberry differ in their housing materials, they both provide unique advantages. The Gazzew blend top housing of the LT offers a softer typing experience, resulting in a more muted and smooth sound when releasing the key. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry enhances clarity and resonance when releasing a key, providing a crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. On the other hand, the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also contributes to a rich and deep sound, similar to its top housing. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry promotes a sharper and clearer sound during bottom-out.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the KTT Strawberry, it is important to consider the impact on the sound and feel of the switch. Pressing down on the LT switch will primarily bring forth the qualities of its Gazzew blend bottom housing – resulting in a rich and deep sound upon bottom-out. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with the Gazzew blend providing a softer and more muted sound. Likewise, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a sharper and clearer sound profile. Conversely, the top housing of the Strawberry impacts the sound when letting go of a key, producing a crisper sound. Thus, understanding the division of qualities between the top and bottom housing of these switches is crucial in considering the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some notable differences. The LT has an actuation force that is currently unavailable in grams, whereas the Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the LT requires 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Strawberry requires 62 grams, categorizing it as medium.
Regarding weight, it is worth considering individual preferences. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Strawberry, as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the LT, as its heavier bottom out force provides a stronger push feel.
If both the actuation force and bottom out force are the same for these two switches, it would yield similar results. However, in this case, the LT is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Strawberry has a lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the desired typing experience and personal preference.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have different travel distances. The LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm. The LT offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Strawberry provides a longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who appreciate a deeper and more substantial tactile feedback when pressing the keys. While both switches offer their own unique benefits, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew LT linear switches are best known for their deep, resonant thockiness. These switches offer a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. When pressed and released, the LT switches produce a satisfying and satisfying "thock" sound. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switches also offer a low-pitched sound. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Strawberries are not mentioned. It can be assumed that they offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone like the LT switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, there is no specific information provided about the feel of the Gazzew LT switches. However, the KTT Strawberry linear switches are described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Strawberries offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. They minimize any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid travel. The smoothness and lack of resistance provided by the Strawberry switches enhance the overall typing feel and provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switches are loved for their deep and resonant thockiness, while the KTT Strawberry linear switches are praised for their smooth actuation and comfortable feel. Both switches offer a low-pitched sound similar to a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The LT switches provide a seamless glide with every keystroke, while the Strawberries offer a highly smooth and effortless typing experience. If you prefer the deep and resonant thockiness, the LT switches would be a great choice. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless feel, the Strawberry switches would be more suitable. However, keep in mind that personal preferences and other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps can also affect the overall experience with these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a deep and resonant thockiness, the Gazzew LT linear switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams is a fantastic choice. These switches provide a seamless glide with every keystroke, offering an auditory symphony of satisfying thockiness. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a smooth actuation and comfortable feel, the KTT Strawberry linear switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams is the way to go. The attractive pink and clear housings add a touch of visual appeal to these switches, which are loved for their reliable performance. In terms of sound, the LT switches have a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched profile, while the Strawberry switches have a low-pitched tone. As for the feel, the LT switches don't have specific descriptors provided, but the Strawberry switches are described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for the specific sound and feel characteristics described.
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