Gazzew LT vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact how you engage with your keyboard. The Gazzew LT switches, characterized by their striking lilac hue, are famed for their unique "linear thock" profile, delivering a deep and resonant sound that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This switch type boasts a smooth glide with every keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate a gentle, tactile feedback without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches are engineered for an exceptionally smooth experience as well, featuring Ly stems that contribute to a fluid typing sensation. Although specific sound profiling for the Tomcat is less defined, users often report a pleasant resonance that enhances the auditory experience while typing. Both switches cater to users seeking linear action, but their distinct characteristics—thockiness and sound depth of the Gazzew LT versus the silky performance of the Tomcat (Heavy)—offer different flavors of linear satisfaction. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts their sound profiles. The LT employs a proprietary plastic blend often referred to as "boba plastic," which is renowned for its softness. This softness contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, making the typing experience more resonant and rounded. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) opts for polycarbonate as its top housing material. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that refines sound production, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also provides visual appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. Thus, while the Gazzew LT's blend prioritizes warmth and depth, the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes clarity and brightness, leading to distinctly different auditory experiences.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, they both continue to diverge in material choice and resulting sound characteristics. The Gazzew LT features the same proprietary plastic blend as its bottom housing, reinforcing the softer qualities and deep tones of the overall sound profile. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is a more traditional choice in the switch community. Nylon’s softer nature also fosters a deeper sound, but its unique characteristics contribute to a fuller and more rounded auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches maintain a broader categorization of softer materials that cushion sound, they provide different effects on the overall sound experience, particularly during bottom-out moments, where the material difference becomes more pronounced.
In essence, the differing top and bottom housing materials in these switches create a dynamic interplay impacting both sound and typing feel. While the Gazzew LT’s combination of proprietary soft plastics aims for a cohesive deep and rich sound profile, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a clearer auditory experience through its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom. This contrast characterizes the user experience: pressing down on each switch will feel distinct, influenced by the materials of both parts. However, if a user values features like depth and fullness in sound, they may find the LT’s approach more appealing, while those who prefer a crisper, sharper experience may favor the Tomcat (Heavy). Ultimately, both options present unique sensory experiences that cater to different typing preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch with the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces emerge. The LT switch has an unspecified actuation force, which leaves some ambiguity in its performance; however, it does feature a bottom out force of 65 grams. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch has a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 64 grams. This means that the Tomcat switch is more precise in terms of actuation, requiring a lighter press to trigger a keystroke, while the LT provides a heavier feel as it bottoms out. As for their overall weight, the LT is considered the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate toward the Tomcat switch for its lower actuation force, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those desiring a more substantial feel may opt for the heavier LT switch.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on the key, you'll experience 0.4 mm more travel with the Tomcat switch compared to the LT. For gamers or users who prioritize rapid response times, the shorter travel distance of the Gazzew LT may be more appealing, providing a quicker actuation and an overall snappier feel. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, as its longer travel distance offers a deeper key press that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99.
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 switch stands out with its notably deep and resonant sound profile, characterized by a rich thockiness that gives it a very satisfying auditory experience when typing. The bassy and low-pitched qualities make each keypress feel substantial and immersive, evoking the depth akin to bass tones that many enthusiasts crave in their mechanical keyboards. This auditory experience is one of the switch's highlights, providing a click-free yet engaging sound that enhances the overall typing rhythm. On the other hand, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch also features a resonant sound profile, details about its specific auditory characteristics are less defined. Nevertheless, it too promises a pleasing acoustic experience, aligning with the LT's reputation for a robust sound.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT switch is known for its seamless glide, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with every keystroke. The uninterrupted travel makes it easy to type quickly and efficiently, allowing for extended periods of use without fatigue. Similarly, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is praised for its smoothness, thanks to its use of Ly stems, which provide a strain-free typing experience as well. Both switches cater to users who appreciate a fluid and effortless feedback in their keystrokes, making them appealing choices for typists and gamers alike.
Overall, both the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch each boast remarkable auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the LT is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound and smooth feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers similar smoothness and a resonant auditory experience, albeit with less specific detail available. Users drawn to rich sound profiles and seamless keystrokes will find both switches to provide rewarding typing experiences, encouraging exploration based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, your choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch should hinge on your personal preferences for sound profile and typing experience. If you appreciate a deeper auditory experience while typing and enjoy a rich, low-pitched thocky sound, the Gazzew LT is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, it not only delivers that satisfying, resonant thock but also offers a seamless keystroke glide, making it ideal for both typing and gaming enthusiasts who prioritize acoustics along with performance. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother typing experience and prefer a tightly controlled resonance without the same level of auditory depth, consider the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). With a bottom out force of 64 grams, it promises an equally smooth action thanks to its Ly stems, appealing to those who value a consistent key feel with a subtler sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you—whether it’s the thock-rich sound of the LTs or the sleek smoothness of the Tomcats.
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