Gazzew LT vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew LT and HMX Swift offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gazzew LT is distinguished by its enticing lilac hue and deep, resonant "thockiness" with a seamless glide, making it a popular choice for those seeking a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. With its clacky, easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy characteristics, the Swift offers a different tactile and auditory experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and the HMX Swift both feature top and bottom housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing is known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness, while the Swift's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience with a more pleasant sound, the Gazzew blend may offer a slightly richer sound compared to the nylon top housing of the Swift.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gazzew LT and HMX Swift continue to differ in their approach to sound. The Gazzew blend bottom housing provides a rich and deep sound profile similar to its top housing counterpart, while the Swift's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This divergence in bottom housing materials may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the LT potentially offering a more consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke compared to the Swift.
Overall, both the Gazzew LT and HMX Swift utilize top and bottom housing materials that aim to enhance the sound profile of the switches. While the Gazzew blend top and bottom housing materials create a rich and deep sound profile, the Swift's nylon housing materials deliver a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately offer a pleasant typing experience with unique sound characteristics that cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether choosing the Gazzew LT or the HMX Swift, users can expect a similar level of attention to sound quality and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The LT has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams, which is relatively light. In terms of bottom out force, the LT requires 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Swift only needs 50 grams, making it lighter. The difference in actuation force suggests that the LT may be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Swift may be better for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer a unique typing experience and are suitable for different preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, we can see that the LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Swift has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the LT being the shorter option. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the LT due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Swift with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
The Gazzew LT linear switches are known for their deep, resonant thockiness, offering a bassy and low-pitched sound profile during key presses. The auditory experience is described as satisfying and rich, resembling a deep "thud" or soft "knock" with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switches provide a deeper sound profile compared to other HMX switches, showcasing a silky smoothness and a clacky, crisp, and bright sound signature. The full nylon housings of the Swift switches contribute to their unique sound profile, offering a different auditory experience than the LT switches. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between the two.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew LT switches are noted for their seamless glide with every keystroke, enhancing the typing experience. However, specific descriptors for the feel of the LT switches are not available. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switches offer an easy-to-press sensation with a delicate 42g actuation force, providing a feather-light and bouncy typing experience. The creamy feel of the Swift switches adds a smooth and buttery sensation to each keystroke, allowing for effortless typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. While the feel of the LT switches remains subjective without specific descriptors, the Swift switches are praised for their comfortable and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switches and the HMX Swift linear switches offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The LT switches provide a bassy and thocky sound profile with a seamless glide, while the Swift switches deliver a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness and a clacky feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as the desired typing experience. Whether opting for the deep thockiness of the LT switches or the smooth and easy-to-press feel of the Swift switches, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant thocky sound profile, then the Gazzew LT linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The LTs offer a satisfying typing experience with their lilac hue and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift linear switch is the way to go. The Swifts stand out for their easy-to-press feel and feathery touch, making typing effortless and comfortable. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gazzew LT or the HMX Swift will depend on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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