TTC Brother vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, you'll find yourself considering two exceptional options for a mechanical keyboard. The Brother stands out with its lightweight actuation of 37g, delivering a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a well-balanced tactile bump. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a refined sound profile with a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a quiet topping out sound, providing a sharp tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. The Brother is known for its easy-to-press keys, while the U4Tx is praised for its muted acoustics. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and Gazzew U4Tx both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its relatively stiff nature, while the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing provides a rich and deep sound thanks to its softness. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Brother is transparent and ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the U4Tx's top housing material is not specified for this feature.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, the differences continue to emerge. The Brother's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. Similarly, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, emphasizing a rounded and duller sound compared to the sharper sound of the Brother's bottom housing. Both bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience of these switches, with nylon and the Gazzew blend each offering their unique benefits.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Brother and the Gazzew U4Tx will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While the Brother utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a sharp and clear sound, the U4Tx employs a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housings, delivering a rich and deep sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them both viable options for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the actuation force of the Gazzew U4Tx is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Gazzew U4Tx requires a heavier force of 62.5 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the TTC Brother is unknown. This means that the TTC Brother may provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use, while the Gazzew U4Tx offers a more substantial push feel, suited for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly shorter than the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be very noticeable in regular use, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and response. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
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 U4Tx 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that resonates with clear, crisp precision, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch delivers a refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" on bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out, providing a bassy and muted sound experience. While the Brother emphasizes a crunchy sound synonymous with clicky switches, the U4Tx focuses on a more subdued and refined acoustical experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance requiring minimal force for activation. This effortless typing experience enhances comfort and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Brother switch provides a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance between being felt distinctly and not overpowering the keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump with strong and crisp intensity, ensuring a luxurious typing experience with high feedback intensity. The U4Tx switch may not be as easy-to-press as the Brother, but it offers a different tactile feel with a prominent and distinct feedback sensation.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight nature, breezy actuation, and satisfyingly crunchy sound, providing a delightful clicky switch experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch marries a refined sound profile with a sharp tactile bump, delivering a luxurious typing experience that is acoustically pleasing and highly tactile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a delightful mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Brother switch if you prefer a lightweight actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy sound profile with a balanced tactile bump. On the other hand, choose the U4Tx switch if you favor a cleaner, refined sound with a deep "thock" bottoming out and a quieter topping out, along with a sharp and intense tactile bump. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prioritize a distinct clicky experience with a breezy actuation or a luxurious typing feel with a harmonious sound profile. Make an informed decision based on your preferences for sound and feel to enhance your overall typing experience.
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