KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

The KTT Cream Yellow and the Gazzew U4 are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch, known for its bouncy and clacky typing experience. It features a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, producing resonant audio feedback that delivers a unique sound. Additionally, the lengthened spring contributes to a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that offers a completely different typing experience. Typing on the U4 provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, accompanied by an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4s have a sound profile that is whisper quiet, thanks to their muted, low-pitched, and sharp characteristics. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, making it suitable for specific preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gazzew U4 differ significantly in terms of the materials used. The Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound.

In contrast, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housings. This plastic blend, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. The U4's top housing material differs from the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate, resulting in a distinct sound when letting go of a key. Similarly, the U4's bottom housing material provides its own impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.

While the housing materials of the Cream Yellow and the U4 differ, both switches aim to achieve a rich and deep sound profile. The Cream Yellow achieves this through the combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend in both top and bottom housings contributes to its desired sound profile. Therefore, while the specific materials used may vary, both switches can provide similar results in terms of sound quality.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Cream Yellow is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter force may be preferred by individuals who value longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without experiencing excessive finger fatigue. Both switches fall within the medium force range, providing a good balance between ease of activation and tactile feedback.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Cream Yellow. This heavier force may be favored by those who desire a more substantial typing experience and appreciate a stronger push feel. However, it's important to note that the actuation force of the U4 is slightly lighter than that of the Cream Yellow. This means that despite the heavier bottom out force, the initial trigger required for keystrokes is slightly easier with the U4.

Overall, both switches offer a medium force range, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too light or too heavy. The Cream Yellow leans towards a lighter feel, allowing for longer typing sessions, while the U4 offers a slightly heavier push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Whether one is looking for a lighter or heavier force, these switches provide options to cater to different preferences.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch 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 as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Cream Yellow would be a suitable choice with its slightly shorter travel distance. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. In that case, the U4 switch with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This gives it a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, the U4 switch is described as muted, providing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. It aims to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards and has a low-pitched, more bass-heavy and mellow tone.

Moving on to the feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Pressing the keys feels lively, providing a sense of rebound. The U4 switch, on the other hand, offers a sharp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each and every keypress. It is known for its high feedback intensity, providing a strong and crisp tactile experience.

In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and U4 switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow provides a clacky sound with a bouncy feel, while the U4 delivers a muted sound with a sharp tactile experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a quieter sound with a sharp and distinct tactile bump, the U4 would be a better fit. It's important to keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a distinctively clacky sound, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Cream Yellow's shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to its resonant audio feedback, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Additionally, its lengthened spring provides a uniquely bouncy typing feel, giving you a lively and rebounding sensation when typing.

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 would be a perfect fit. The U4 offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile feedback, allowing you to feel a strong and crisp bump with each keystroke. Furthermore, the U4 provides an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding an extra layer of comfort to your typing experience.

In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow offers a clacky sound, characterized by its sharp and snappy nature, while the U4 provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile, designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow offers a bouncy sensation, thanks to its spring-like feedback, while the U4 delivers a sharp and intense tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with every keypress.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch boils down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, go for the Cream Yellow. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted sound and a sharp tactile feedback, the U4 would be an excellent option for you. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make the decision that best suits your typing style and requirements.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more