TTC Brother vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is clear that each offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Brother stands out with its lightweight nature, easy actuation, and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile and audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the U4 provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump accompanied by a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, creating a more subdued and quiet typing experience ideal for those who prefer a quieter key press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Brother and Gazzew U4 switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the auditory experience. However, the U4's "boba plastic" top housing creates a more muffled and rounded sound compared to the clearer sound of polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both switches differ once again. The Brother's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Similarly, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, complementing the top housing's characteristics. The softness of both the nylon and "boba plastic" materials plays a significant role in enhancing the overall typing experience by creating a more subdued and satisfying sound.
Overall, the utilization of different housing materials in the TTC Brother and Gazzew U4 switches results in unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Brother offers a clearer and more resonant sound, the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4 provides a richer and deeper sound experience. Additionally, the nylon and "boba plastic" bottom housings of both switches contribute to the overall typing feel and sound, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the softness of proprietary plastic blends, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch reveals a difference in weight. The Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the U4's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with the Brother switch. Additionally, the U4 has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the Brother's unspecified bottom out force. This means that the U4 switch requires more force to fully press down, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, with the Brother offering a lighter typing experience and the U4 providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, it may still have an impact on the typing experience. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular in the market. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Gazzew U4 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy and satisfying click that is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile that is whisper quiet, ideal for those seeking a more subtle typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Brother being more pronounced and the U4 being more understated.
As for feel, the Brother switch is known for its easy-to-press nature and stepped tactile feel, making typing effortless and comfortable with a distinct tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch offers a sharp tactile bump that provides a high feedback intensity with each keypress. While the Brother offers a lighter actuation force and a more stepped feel, the U4 provides a sharper and more intense tactile feedback, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feels that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Brother provides a crunchy click and an easy-to-press feel, the U4 offers a muted sound and a sharp tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a lightweight actuation and a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, the TTC Brother clicky switch is the way to go. It provides a perfect balance between tactile feedback and a smooth keystroke, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a sharp tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the perfect choice. It offers a plush bottom-out sensation and a whisper-quiet sound profile, making it a great option for those who prioritize a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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