An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out among the rest - the Gazzew LT and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Both of these linear switches offer a delightful typing experience with their deep and thocky sound profiles. The Gazzew LT switches, with their enticing lilac hue, provide an auditory symphony of resonant thockiness that truly immerses you in your typing session. Not only that, but they also offer a seamless glide with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches are designed to strike a perfect balance. With a lengthened single-stage spring, they provide a bouncy feel that adds to the satisfying typing experience. Additionally, their standard spring weight makes them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
N/A
59g
65g
67g
N/A
2.00 mm
3.20 mm
4.00 mm
Yes
Yes
Standard
Standard
POM
POM
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Polycarbonate
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Polycarbonate
PCB (5-pin)
PCB (5-pin)
Stainless steel Korean spring
Gold-plated
The Gazzew LT and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share some similarities in terms of their housing materials. Both switches utilize proprietary plastic blends that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Gazzew LT's top and bottom housing materials, referred to as "boba plastic," deliver a rich and deep sound due to their softness. Similarly, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. These similarities indicate that both switches are designed to provide a quality auditory experience.
However, there are notable differences between the two housing materials. The Gazzew LT's "boba plastic" offers a softness that contributes to the switch's rich sound profile. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer material, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. This difference suggests that the Gazzew LT may produce a more mellow and subdued sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue's more vibrant and dynamic sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Tourmaline Blue offers the advantage of translucency. This makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the clear housing, creating a visually striking effect. The Gazzew LT, on the other hand, does not have this advantage. Therefore, if RGB lighting is a priority, the Tourmaline Blue with its polycarbonate top housing would be a better choice.
In conclusion, while the Gazzew LT and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique sound profiles with their respective proprietary plastic blends, there are discernible differences between their housing materials. The Gazzew LT's "boba plastic" provides a soft and rich sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency for enhanced visual effects with RGB lighting.
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Gazzew LT is unavailable, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a force of 59 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the LT requires 65 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 67 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy switches, providing a substantial typing experience.
Considering weight as a factor, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. In this case, the Gazzew LT, with its unknown actuation force, might provide a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, those who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for options with heavier forces.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. While the LT's actuation force is unavailable, the Tourmaline Blue requires 59 grams. Similarly, the LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 67 grams. Both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, but the specific weight preference will vary depending on individual preferences and requirements.
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The Gazzew LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Tourmaline Blue's 4 mm travel distance. The Tourmaline Blue falls within the more traditional range of travel distances, while the LT offers a shallower experience. This difference in travel distance caters to different preferences. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as they provide faster response times. On the other hand, those who appreciate a deeper and more satisfying keystroke may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for either responsiveness or depth.
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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.
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT linear switches are known for their deep and resonant "thockiness". The bassy sound profile of these switches offers a rich and satisfying auditory experience. Their low-pitched nature adds to the mellow and bass-heavy tone produced during key presses. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches have a neutral sound profile. While they may not offer the same depth and richness as the LT switches, they strike a balance with their moderate sound and actuation force requirements, making them suitable for a wide range of users. It's important to note that the actual sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT switches do not have specific descriptors provided in the provided information. However, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. These qualities contribute to a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with seamless and effortless typing sensations. The switches offer gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate, which enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Tourmaline Blue switches provide a low-impact typing feel that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The LT switches provide a deep and resonant thocky sound with a bass-heavy tone, while the Tourmaline Blue switches have a moderate and neutral sound profile. When it comes to feel, the LT switches do not have specific descriptors provided, while the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. However, it's important to consider that the final sound and feel of the switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preferences and typing needs.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
If you prioritize a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a seamless and glide-like typing experience, then the Gazzew LT switches would be the way to go. With their lilac hue, they provide a visually appealing option as well.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a balanced sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are worth considering. These switches offer a satisfying thocky sound and a bouncy feel, thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. The standard spring weight also makes them accessible to a wide range of users.
When it comes to sound, the LT switches are known for their bassy, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deep and rich sound experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes.
In terms of feel, the LT switches do not have specific descriptors provided, while the Tourmaline Blue switches are described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. This means that the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, requiring minimal force for activation and providing a low-impact and comfortable typing feel.
In summary, if you value a deep and resonant typing sound and a seamless glide-like feel, the Gazzew LT switches would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a balanced sound profile and a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches would be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches have their unique features and benefits, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences.