Gazzew LT vs. Jwick Taro

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Gazzew LT and the Jwick Taro. The Gazzew LT switches are best known for their enticing lilac hue, offering an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. These linear switches are categorized as "Bassy," "Thocky," and "Low-pitched," providing a seamless glide with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches sport a comfy subdued color scheme and offer a cozy typing experience. These tactile switches are categorized as "Neutral," "Buttery," and "Stepped," providing a snappy, medium-level of tactility while emitting acute and crisp clacks. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, giving users a pleasant typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

Jwick Taro Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew LT and the Jwick Taro differ in terms of their housing materials, which ultimately affects the sound profile they produce. The LT utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound. In contrast, the Taro features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. While the Gazzew LT offers a softer sound profile, the Taro provides a more clear and resonant sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gazzew LT's proprietary blend is also used here, resulting in a rich and deep sound due to its softness. On the other hand, the Taro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material. The nylon material enhances the sound profile of the switch by producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Therefore, typing on the Taro with its nylon bottom housing will elicit a different sound compared to the Gazzew LT's boba plastic bottom housing.

When comparing the impact of the housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will primarily highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, which includes the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, while the Gazzew LT and the Jwick Taro have different housing materials for their top and bottom, the overall sound experience can be influenced by the characteristics of each housing material.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the actuation force is unavailable for both switches. However, the bottom out force for the Gazzew LT is 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. Similarly, the Jwick Taro has a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling under the medium-heavy category.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions, especially in work or gaming scenarios. For those seeking a more substantial typing experience, a heavier actuation force may be preferred. In this case, since the actuation force is not specified for either switch, it is challenging to determine if they possess a lighter or heavier actuation force.

Nonetheless, the bottom out force comparison shows that the Jwick Taro is slightly heavier, with 67 grams, compared to the Gazzew LT's 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, suggesting a similar typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Gazzew LT linear switch, it has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. If you value responsiveness in your typing experience, opting for the Gazzew LT linear switch with its shorter travel distance would be ideal. However, for individuals who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when typing, the Jwick Taro tactile switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT linear switches are best known for their deep and resonant thockiness. These switches provide a satisfying low-pitched sound that resembles a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switches have a more neutral sound profile. They produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you plan to use them at home or work. It's worth noting that the sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT switches do not have any specific descriptors provided. Unfortunately, information regarding their tactile attributes is unknown. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are described as buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with these switches. They offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, they are characterized as stepped switches, which means they have a milder tactile feel compared to hypertactile switches. Stepped switches allow you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke.

In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switches excel in providing a deep and rich sound profile with their thockiness and low-pitched characteristics. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switches offer a more neutral sound profile that is versatile for different users and settings. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the Gazzew LT switches is not provided, while the Jwick Taro switches are known for their buttery-smooth experience and stepped tactile feel. If you are seeking a switch with similar sound qualities to the Gazzew LT, the Jwick Taro switches may provide a comparable result. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors like keycap and keyboard choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are seeking a smooth and fluid typing experience with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Gazzew LT linear switches would be an excellent choice for you. With their lilac color and thocky sound, these switches offer a satisfying auditory symphony accompanied by a seamless glide with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy and comfortable typing experience with a snappy tactile feedback, the Jwick Taro tactile switches would be ideal. With their subdued color scheme and acute clacks, these switches provide a medium level of tactility and a pleasant typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the Gazzew LT and the Jwick Taro switches depends on your preference for linear switches with deep sound and smooth feel, or tactile switches with cozy typing experience and snappy feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

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Jwick Taro Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more