Gazzew LT vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gazzew LT and the Durock White Lotus. The Gazzew LT switches are best known for their enticing lilac hue and their auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. These linear switches offer a seamless glide with every keystroke, making them a delight to type on. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind. They provide a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, these switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that can add a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and the Durock White Lotus use different materials for their top housing. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic," offers a softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. Conversely, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. While both materials offer distinct characteristics, they both aim to enhance the overall sound experience of the switch. Whether it is the softness of the Gazzew blend or the premium feel of the PC and UPE blend, users can expect similar results in terms of improved sound quality from these two switch options.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gazzew LT and the Durock White Lotus also diverge in this aspect. The LT utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend, which shares similar qualities to its top housing. It is soft, contributing to a rich and deep sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the White Lotus adopts a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a well-known switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. Therefore, users can expect a different sound experience between the two switches, with the Gazzew LT providing a softer sound and the White Lotus offering a deeper and fuller sound.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of a switch, both the top and bottom housings play a role. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. In this regard, the Gazzew LT with its proprietary blend, and the Durock White Lotus with its nylon bottom housing, will present distinct experiences. On the other hand, the sound produced when releasing a key is affected more by the top housing. While the LT's Gazzew blend and the White Lotus's PC and UPE blend offer different feels, they both contribute to enhancing the sound when lifting a key. Ultimately, whether it's the bottom or top housing, both switches are designed to improve the typing experience, each with its own unique characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The LT switch has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the White Lotus which has an actuation force of 46 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the LT switch requires 65 grams of force while the White Lotus requires 56 grams.
Considering weight, both switches offer different options for different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the White Lotus with its actuation force of 46 grams and medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams. The lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions without causing as much fatigue. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the LT switch with its heavier bottom out force of 65 grams may be a better choice. This heavier force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience.
Overall, while the exact actuation force of the LT switch is unavailable, its heavier bottom out force compared to the White Lotus indicates that it may offer a more robust and impactful typing experience. However, for those looking for a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience, the White Lotus with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be the preferable option. Ultimately, personal preference and the desired typing feel will play a significant role in choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is on the shorter side of the spectrum. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer. While both switches fall within the acceptable range of travel distances, they offer different experiences. The shorter travel distance of the LT switch caters to gamers who value fast response times and prefer a more responsive feel. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the White Lotus switch provides a deeper and more substantial keypress, which some individuals may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
The Gazzew LT linear switches are best known for their deep, resonant thockiness, offering a satisfying auditory experience while typing. These switches have a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range reminiscent of bass tones. The sound can be described as thocky, producing a deep, rich sound when pressed and released. In terms of feel, information about the LT switches is unknown.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switches are designed with a light tactile feel in mind, striking the perfect balance between tactility and not overwhelming the user. These switches offer a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches are described as easy-to-press, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. In terms of sound, the White Lotus switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for most intents and purposes.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switches excel in sound quality with their deep, resonant thockiness, while information on their feel is unknown. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switches provide a light tactile feel and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are seeking a satisfying auditory experience, the LT switches would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a gentle and effortless typing feel with a soothing sound profile, the White Lotus switches would be an excellent option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant thocky sound profile, then the Gazzew LT switches are your best choice. These switches offer a seamless glide with every keystroke and their lilac hue adds a visually appealing touch to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lower bottom out force and a delicate tactility, the Durock White Lotus switches are perfect for you. These switches strike the perfect balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort, making them well-suited for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches offer a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects that enhance the overall aesthetics of your keyboard. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities and it's up to you to decide which one aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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