Gazzew LT vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Weightlessness can significantly affect your typing experience. The Gazzew LT, a linear switch, is celebrated for its captivating lilac hue and its unique auditory profile, described as a deep, resonant "thock" that provides a satisfying sound with every keystroke. This switch is often favored by those who appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted glide when typing or gaming, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a quieter yet responsive experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, allowing typists to feel a slight bump with each key press. This feature, combined with a balanced sound profile, caters to those who seek a more dynamic typing sensation without compromising on audible feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may depend on whether you prioritize a silken glide and pronounced acoustics or prefer a tactile feel that engages your fingertips while typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Weightlessness, both switches employ similar principles in achieving a rich and deep sound profile. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housing, which is specifically designed to offer a softer feel and enhanced sound characteristics. Conversely, the Weightlessness utilizes nylon, a classic housing material recognized for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer texture. Despite being made from different materials, the softer nature of both the Gazzew blend and nylon means that both switches are likely to produce a similar auditory experience, with a fulfilling, rounded sound when typing.
In terms of functionality, the differences between the two materials manifest in how they influence the switch's overall performance. The Gazzew "boba plastic" top and bottom housings contribute equally to the switch's sound profile, with a balanced contribution from both the top and bottom upon keypresses. This implies that when experiencing the Gazzew LT, users can expect a consistent sound signature throughout their typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness’s top and bottom nylon housings may have their sound qualities divided; the top housing could influence the release sound while the bottom impacts the bottom-out sound. Therefore, while both switches share a commitment to soft materials, the nuanced differences in auditory feedback can present distinctive typing experiences.
Ultimately, both switches illustrate the importance of housing materials in shaping user experience. Users of the Gazzew LT will enjoy a cohesive sound profile resulting from the synergy of its proprietary blend, while Gateron Weightlessness users will appreciate the exceptional sound qualities of well-known nylon. Although there are identifiable differences in the materials used, the common trait of softness between the two ensures that both the LT and Weightlessness can elicit similarly satisfying auditory results, making them potential favorites among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit notable differences in actuation force, with the LT switch lacking a specified actuation force, while the Weightlessness switch has a relatively light actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the LT switch features a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Weightlessness switch does not have a bottom out force specified. This means that those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the LT switch due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Weightlessness switch could be favored by users seeking a lighter touch when typing, especially during extended sessions. Overall, with the Gazzew LT being heavier based on the information provided, users looking for a lighter typing experience will likely appreciate the Gateron Weightlessness more, whereas those who enjoy a sturdier feel may opt for the Gazzew LT linear switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Weightlessness measures slightly longer at 3.4 mm. This means that the Gazzew LT is the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel, such as gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial bottoming out, leading to a different tactile experience. If you prefer a balance between responsiveness and depth, the longer travel distance of the Weightlessness could provide a more satisfying input, whereas those favoring a quicker response may find the LT to be more suitable for their needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew LT linear switches create an auditory experience that is distinctly characterized by a deep, resonant thockiness. The sound profile is bassy and low-pitched, offering a rich, satisfying thud when pressed, akin to a soft knock. This makes them incredibly engaging, producing a certain depth that can elevate the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches have a more balanced sound profile; however, there are no specific descriptors provided for these switches. Given the information, it can be inferred that the Weightlessness switches might not reach the same level of deep richness as the LT, contributing to a quieter, more moderate auditory presence.
When examining the feel, the Gazzew LT linear switches are specifically noted for providing a seamless glide with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience with a smooth and uninterrupted action. The Weightlessness switches, while offering a subtle to moderate tactile feel, likely provide feedback that is distinct from the smoothness of the LTs. The tactile nature of the Weightlessness may introduce some resistance, giving users a different sensation during typing. Unfortunately, the specific characteristics of the LT’s feel are not detailed, making a direct comparison between the two in this aspect challenging.
Considering all available information, the Gazzew LT switches stand out for their deep, thocky sound and seamless feel, providing a richly satisfying auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a more balanced sound and a subtly tactile feel. While both switches cater to different preferences in typing characteristics, the distinct auditory and tactile profiles ensure that each type has its audience. Ultimately, if you're inclined towards a rich auditory experience with a seamless feel, the LT is a compelling choice; for those who prefer a more moderate tactile engagement, the Weightlessness may be preferable.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a deep, rich auditory feedback and prefer a smoother keystroke, the LT switch is the way to go, as its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a satisfying resistance that complements its thocky sound profile. This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more immersive typing experience, especially in environments where sound adds to the overall ambiance. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile feedback without the pronounced sound of thockiness, the Weightlessness switch may suit you better. While it has no specific actuation force to speak of, its moderate tactile feel allows for a more understated typing experience, ideal for those who type quietly or require a less intrusive sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—be it auditory pleasure with the LT or a more modest, tactile interaction with the Weightlessness.
Mentioned in this article
