Gazzew LT vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, the contrast in their characteristics becomes evident. The Gazzew LT is distinguished by its deep, resonant thockiness and seamless glide, offering a unique auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, emphasizing a balance between feedback and smooth keystrokes. While the LT is categorized as 'Bassy, Thocky, Low-pitched', the Thunder Shadow falls under 'Invigorating, Neutral'. Choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In comparison, the Thunder Shadow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The Gazzew blend provides a more mellow and smooth typing experience, while the polycarbonate offers a more pronounced and vibrant sound.
While the top housing materials of the LT and Thunder Shadow differ in their softness and stiffness, the bottom housing materials also play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Gazzew LT's bottom housing, made from the same proprietary blend as the top housing, enhances the rich and deep sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The combination of different housing materials in each switch adds complexity and depth to the typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT and Aflion Thunder Shadow will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. The Gazzew blend housing offers a softer and mellower typing experience, while the polycarbonate and nylon housings in the Thunder Shadow provide a crisper and fuller sound. Both switches showcase how the housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing feel and sound profile, making them excellent options for those looking to customize their mechanical keyboards. Whether you prefer a rich and deep sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both the LT and Thunder Shadow offer unique qualities that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, indicating a light actuation force for both. The LT switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Thunder Shadow switch is a slightly lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Thunder Shadow switch, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Gazzew LT switch. Overall, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience with slight variations in weight.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Thunder Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the LT switch. The difference might not be significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Generally, shorter travel distances are preferred by gamers for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel might opt for a switch with a longer travel distance. Both switches provide a decent balance between travel distance and keypress feedback, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, the Gazzew LT linear switches are known for their deep and resonant thockiness, offering a bassy and low-pitched sound profile that is satisfying to the ears. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches feature a more neutral sound signature, ensuring a balanced auditory experience that is suitable for various preferences and environments. While the LT switches provide a rich and satisfying thocky sound, the Thunder Shadow switches offer a more versatile and moderate sound profile that can adapt well to different typing settings.
Moving on to the feel, the Gazzew LT switches are described as providing a seamless glide with every keystroke, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are noted for their invigorating feel, which includes pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive sensation that enhances the typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of feel, with the LT switches emphasizing smoothness and glide, while the Thunder Shadow switches prioritize feedback and reactiveness.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switches and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The LT switches provide a deep and resonant thocky sound with a smooth typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow switches offer a more neutral sound profile with invigorating feedback and reactiveness. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can find a switch that suits their individual preferences. Ultimately, whether you opt for the LT switches or the Thunder Shadow switches, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with unique characteristics tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile with a bassy and thocky feel, the LT switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more neutral sound signature and a balanced tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience, the Thunder Shadow switches would be a perfect fit. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing needs.
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