Gazzew LT vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gazzew LT and the TTC Yunhai can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gazzew LT is celebrated for its striking lilac hue and captivating auditory feedback—it delivers a deep, thocky sound that many users find satisfying, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate tactile auditory cues while typing. Coupled with its seamless glide, the LT excels in providing a bassy, low-pitched experience, perfect for those who enjoy a rich sound profile. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches present a completely different sensation with their ultra-light actuation force, allowing for a feather-like typing feel that is especially suited for typists who prefer a softer touch. The Yunhai's deep, rounded sound profile offers a more muted experience compared to the vibrant thockiness of the LTs. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—whether you’re drawn to the resonant thock of the Gazzew LT or the effortless glide of the TTC Yunhai—each has its unique appeal. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$6.50 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew LT and the TTC Yunhai both utilize plastic blends that emphasize softer materials to influence their sound profiles, though their specific compositions differ. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic" in both its top and bottom housings, designed to create a rich and deep sound during typing. This material's softness plays a critical role in sound absorption, contributing to a unique acoustic experience that emphasizes a well-rounded and pleasing auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai employs nylon for its housing materials, which is traditionally regarded for its ability to deliver a similar auditory depth and fullness due to the softer properties of the plastic. While the precise materials differ between the two, they both aim to minimize harsher sound frequencies, allowing for a more enjoyable typing experience.

Despite the differences in specific materials, the overall sound profiles of the Gazzew LT and TTC Yunhai share common characteristics due to their focus on softer plastics. Both switches prioritize a sound that is duller and rounder, showcasing the inherent qualities of sound absorption from the nylon or Gazzew blend. When pressed, users can expect the tactile experience to be similarly smooth and cushioned, resulting in a pleasant typing rhythm that resonates with those who prefer softer, more muted responses. Thus, while the Gazzew LT's proprietary blend and the Yunhai's nylon differ in technical formulation, they converge on providing a rich sound experience, making them fundamentally comparable in performance.

The impact of housing materials on the actuation and bottom-out feedback of each switch reveals further similarities and contrasts. In both the Gazzew LT and TTC Yunhai, the bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel due to the materials used—whether it’s the "boba plastic" of the LT or the nylon in the Yunhai. Meanwhile, the top housing significantly influences the sound when releasing a key. Users may find that the differences in materials create subtle variations in the auditory feedback and tactile sensations that occur during typing. Nevertheless, both the Gazzew LT and TTC Yunhai adhere to a philosophy of promoting a rich and rounded sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience through their carefully chosen materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gazzew LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classified as medium-heavy, but its actuation force remains unspecified. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai requires an actuation force of 42 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. This disparity in actuation forces means that the Yunhai switch allows for easier and faster keystrokes, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the heavier feel of the Gazzew LT's bottom out might provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push sensation. Overall, the TTC Yunhai is the lighter option, while the Gazzew LT offers a heavier bottoming out force, allowing users to choose according to their typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Gazzew LT offers a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the TTC Yunhai has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that the Gazzew LT may provide quicker actuation, making it a preferable choice for gamers and those seeking responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai's greater travel distance offers a more pronounced depth, which might appeal to users who favor a less abrupt feel when typing. If both switches had been equal in travel distance, users would likely achieve similar typing experiences in terms of actuation, but the distinction here indicates that those preferring more responsiveness might lean toward the Gazzew LT, while those valuing depth would opt for the TTC Yunhai.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT linear switches deliver an auditory experience that is rich and deep, characterized by what enthusiasts refer to as a "thocky" sound profile. The bassy and low-pitched nature of the sound produced during key presses adds a layer of satisfaction, creating a resonance that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switches do not have a specified sound profile in the available information, which leaves their auditory characteristics somewhat unknown. However, it’s important to remember that sound can be significantly influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so even if the Yunhai lacks description here, it might still produce a pleasant sound depending on the setup.

When discussing the feel of these switches, the Gazzew LT lacks a specific descriptor, leaving its tactile experience open to interpretation. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switches are noted for their "feathery" feel, which makes them exceptionally light and easy to press. This quality greatly reduces finger fatigue, making the Yunhai ideal for long typing sessions or marathon gaming, where the smooth, effortless actuation enhances comfort. While the LT's feel remains undisclosed, if it provides a smooth glide similar to the Yunhai’s gentle actuation, users might experience an equally comfortable typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switch is renowned for its deep, resonant sound and potentially satisfying feel, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch is distinguished by its incredibly light actuation and feather-like touch, making it ideal for those seeking a gentle typing experience. While the specific feel of the LT remains unspecified, the combination of sound and comfort levels found in both switches suggests that they cater to different preferences. If you're looking for a rich auditory experience, the LT might be the better choice, but if a light typing feel is paramount, the Yunhai will serve you well. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, and personal preference will guide the best choice for any typist.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a more tactile experience and appreciate a heavier keystroke, the LT switch, with its 65-gram bottom-out force and deep, resonant thock, is likely the better option for you. Its sound profile provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many find enjoyable, particularly in a mechanical keyboard where the acoustic experience is as important as the tactile one. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter touch for comfort over long periods of typing, the Yunhai switch's 50-gram actuation force will serve you well. Its feathery feel makes it an excellent choice for extended gaming marathons or extensive writing sessions, allowing you to type with minimal finger fatigue. So, depending on whether you prefer a thocky auditory experience and a medium-heavy feel or a light, effortless typing experience with less strain, each switch has its unique advantages suited to different needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more