KTT Ash Gray vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Gazzew U4. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but they offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ash Gray is renowned for its light touch and crisp actuation, delivering a tactile response that strikes a balance between being substantial and unobtrusive. In contrast, the U4 switch offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, accompanied by a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Additionally, the U4 switch boasts a whisper-quiet sound profile for those seeking a more muted experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a higher-pitched sound and allows for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the U4 utilizes Gazzew's proprietary plastic blend in its top housing, referred to as "boba plastic." This unique material offers a rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its softness. While both materials enhance the sound quality, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate provides a more precise and vibrant auditory experience, while the U4's "boba plastic" offers a more rounded and full-bodied sound.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Ash Gray employs a nylon material that is renowned for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and more rounded sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic," in its bottom housing. This material, similar to the top housing, delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both materials enhance the sound characteristics of the switches, but the nylon bottom housing of the Ash Gray provides a slightly deeper and more muffled sound compared to the U4's "boba plastic."

When considering the overall typing experience, it is important to recognize the impact of both the top and bottom housing materials. The KTT Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing significantly influences the sound produced when releasing a key, delivering a crisp and clear sound. Conversely, the Gazzew U4's top housing, made from the "boba plastic" blend, offers a softer and more resonant sound upon key release. As for the bottom housing, both switches offer materials that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the keys. While the Ash Gray utilizes nylon for a more absorbent and rounded sound, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend provides a similar rich and deep sound, resulting in a comparable experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray and Gazzew U4 tactile switches, there are a few notable differences. The Ash Gray switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the U4 requires slightly more force at 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray again leans towards the lighter side with 53 grams, while the U4 switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams.

These variances in force can result in different typing experiences. The KTT Ash Gray with its lighter actuation force and bottom out force is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel. For individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing, the U4 switch would be the more suitable choice.

It is important to consider weight when selecting switches as personal preferences play a significant role. Some individuals may find lighter switches more comfortable for extended use, whether it be for work or long gaming sessions. Others, however, may prefer the extra resistance that heavier switches provide as it enhances their typing experience. The decision ultimately rests on personal preference and the desired typing experience one seeks to achieve.

Travel distance

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Ash Gray with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, the U4's slightly longer travel distance may be more satisfying. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch is best described as neutral. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Additionally, the U4 switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray and Gazzew U4 switches offer different qualities, with the Ash Gray providing a neutral sound and the U4 offering a muted and low-pitched sound.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Ash Gray switch is said to be easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing efficiency and comfort, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Ash Gray switch also provides a mild tactile experience, meaning it offers a gentle typing feel without being too pronounced or sharp. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity. This means that the tactile bump is prominent and can be distinctly felt with each keypress.

In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray and Gazzew U4 switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray switch provides a neutral sound profile with a light touch and a crisp actuation, along with a tactile feedback that is substantial but not overwhelming. It is easy-to-press and offers a mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch has a muted and low-pitched sound profile, offering a whisper quiet typing experience with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. The U4 switch provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. While the switches have their unique qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen in order to achieve the desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light touch and crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is a great choice. It offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is substantial yet unobtrusive, providing a pleasant typing experience. With its easy-to-press feel and low impact on the fingers, it is perfect for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The Ash Gray switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced typists in any setting, be it at home or work.

On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and exhilarating tactile bump in your typing experience, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be a better option. It offers a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation that adds to the overall typing comfort. The U4 switch also has a muted and low-pitched sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience or for environments where noise is a concern.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Gazzew U4 tactile switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch, less pronounced tactile feedback, and a neutral sound profile, the Ash Gray would be an excellent choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper tactile response, a plush bottom-out sensation, and a quieter typing experience, the U4 switch would be the way to go.

In the end, both switches offer their unique advantages and are designed to enhance your typing experience. Whether you prioritize a light touch with a moderate sound profile or a sharp tactile bump with a muted sound profile, you can't go wrong with either the KTT Ash Gray or the Gazzew U4 tactile switch.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more