TTC Bluish White vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Bluish White and the Gazzew U4. The Bluish White switches are ideal for those seeking a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, with a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of excitement to each keystroke. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched', these switches offer a delightful tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches provide a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, paired with an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. These switches are also known for their whisper-quiet sound profile, categorized as 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', and 'Sharp'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Bluish White Tactile

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Bluish White and the Gazzew U4 both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound. This is attributed to the softness of the blend, which produces a more mellow and full-bodied sound. While both materials have distinct characteristics, they result in different sound profiles.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Bluish White features a nylon material. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend bottom housing, also made of "boba plastic," contributes to a rich and deep sound. The softness of the material enhances the overall sound experience, creating a satisfying and immersive typing sensation. While both housing materials have softer properties, their individual blends contribute to slightly different sound profiles.

Taking into account the impact of the different housing materials on the switch experience, the bottom and top housings play distinct roles. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. With the nylon bottom housing of the Bluish White, the result is a deeper and more solid bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing in the Bluish White produces a sharp and clear sound upon key release. Similarly, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing contributes to the rich and deep sound experienced when letting go of a key. While the materials differ, the importance of the top and bottom housing in sound production remains consistent.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bluish White switch has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, while the U4 switch is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches provide a light and easy-to-trigger keystroke response. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bluish White switch has a force of 50 grams, indicating a softer landing when pressing the keys fully. On the other hand, the U4 switch requires a heavier force of 62 grams to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience. This makes the U4 switch ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Bluish White switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the U4 switch offers a medium actuation force and a heavier bottom out force for a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively short travel distances. The Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, it is important to note that even though the difference between 3.5 mm and 3.6 mm may seem minimal, it can make a noticeable impact on the overall feel of the switch. If you prefer a more responsive and immediate key press, the Bluish White with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Gazzew U4 with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, selecting the switch with the preferred travel distance depends on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.

When it comes to sound, the Bluish White switch produces a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the U4 switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound than regular or clacky switches. Both switches have a low-pitched tone, which gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is also considered mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. It has some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a mild tactile feel. Lastly, the switch has a subtle and polished finish, which results in a gentle resistance, suitable for shared spaces, and a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.

On the other hand, the U4 switch has a sharp tactile feel. It is known for its high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress.

In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White and Gazzew U4 tactile switches have distinct sound and feel qualities. The Bluish White switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, a buttery and mild feel, and a subtle and polished finish. On the other hand, the U4 switch has a muted sound profile and a sharp tactile feel. While they provide different experiences, if you are looking for a similar low-pitched sound and a tactile feedback, both switches can achieve satisfying results.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you desire a light bottom out force and a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a snappy sound profile and provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They are described as low-pitched, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be perfect for you. These switches also offer an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. They have a whisper-quiet sound profile, as they are described as muted and low-pitched.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Bluish White and the Gazzew U4 switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile. Both switches have unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prioritize a light, poppy feel with a low-pitched sound or a medium, sharp feel with a muted, low-pitched sound, you can find the switch that suits your needs. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

TTC Bluish White Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more