Gazzew LT vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer different experiences are the Gazzew LT and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Gazzew LT switches, with their enticing lilac hue, are best known for their auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. Typing on these linear switches offers a satisfying bassy and thocky sound, giving a unique typing experience. Additionally, the LTs provide a seamless glide with every keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience further. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, produced by an esteemed brand, offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile. This makes it particularly favorable for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. Both switches have their own unique qualities and appeal, providing options for various preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and the Outemu Yellow Silver have significant differences in their housing materials. The LT utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing, referred to as "boba plastic." This unique blend provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The LT's top and bottom housing materials both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing adds a distinct characteristic to its sound.
The Gazzew LT distinguishes itself with its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares the same characteristics as the top housing. Both the top and bottom housing materials create a rich and deep sound profile due to their softness. Meanwhile, the Yellow Silver opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relative softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, while the LT utilizes the same material for both top and bottom housing, the Yellow Silver divides the qualities between its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switch, the housing materials play a significant role. While the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend in both top and bottom housings creates a consistent sound and feel throughout the key press, the Yellow Silver's split housing materials provide variation. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer distinct experiences due to their housing materials, but users can achieve similar results with the LT's Gazzew blend and the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing by providing a unique touch to their typing or gaming experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it becomes clear that there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The LT switch has an actuation force that is unavailable in terms of grams, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, its bottom out force is 65 grams, placing it on the medium-heavy side. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter in comparison. Additionally, its bottom out force is measured at 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light category.
Considering weight as a factor, typists who prefer a lighter feel may find the Yellow Silver switch to be more suitable for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for a more effortless keystroke activation. Conversely, individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the LT switch, despite its unlisted actuation force. The heavier bottom out force of 65 grams provides a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch will depend on individual preferences. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Yellow Silver switch, while those desiring a heavier, more substantial feel may find the LT switch more to their liking. Regardless of the selected switch, both offer distinct characteristics that can enhance various typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that they differ in this aspect. The LT has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Yellow Silver is more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.2 mm travel distance of the LT is shorter and preferred by gamers who value faster response times. If responsiveness is your priority, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate feel may find the longer travel distance of the Yellow Silver more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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 switch is known for its deep, resonant thockiness. These switches offer a rich and satisfying sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range and a bass-heavy tone. When typing on the LT switches, you can expect a symphony of deep "thud" or soft "knock" sounds with every key press and release. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. The Yellow Silver switches are suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used comfortably in various environments such as home or work. It is important to note that the sound experience of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and the keycaps used.
As for the feel, specific information about the tactile experience of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is currently unknown. Without this information, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of their feel. However, it is worth noting that both switches belong to the linear switch category, which means they do not have a tactile bump or click during key presses. This generally results in a smooth keystroke experience without any tactile feedback. If both switches have similar specifications in terms of actuation force and travel distance, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of the overall feel with these two switches.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound. The LT switches provide a deep and resonant thockiness with a bass-heavy tone, offering a rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for both gamers and typists who prefer a speedier and responsive feel without sacrificing sound quality. While the specific feel of these switches cannot be compared due to lack of information, they both fall into the linear switch category, ensuring a smooth keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you are someone who values auditory satisfaction and a smooth typing experience, the LT switches with their lilac hue are ideal. They offer a deep, resonant "thock" sound profile that can be characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the LTs provide a seamless glide with every keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize speediness and responsiveness, the Yellow Silver switches are a great choice. With a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, these switches are favorable for gamers and typists who want a quick and precise typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and performance.
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