KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gazzew U4Tx offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow stands out with its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provide resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx combines the best of both worlds, offering a cleaner and refined sound profile. Typing on these switches provides a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, coupled with the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Each press delivers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. While these general descriptions give you an idea of the switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the KTT Cream Yellow and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its relatively stiffer plastic composition allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prioritize a precise and vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This soft plastic blend absorbs more sound, resulting in a mellow and full-bodied typing sound that may appeal to those seeking a more subdued acoustic experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Cream Yellow features a nylon material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder typing sound. This could be preferred by individuals who appreciate a more muted and sonorous typing experience. Similarly, the U4Tx utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, providing a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both switches benefit from the softer plastic composites in their bottom housings, creating a similar tonal quality that enhances the overall typing experience.

While the different housing materials in these switches contribute unique sound profiles, it's important to consider the impact of the top and bottom housings individually. When typing on the Cream Yellow, users will primarily feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the U4Tx follows this pattern, with the bottom housing dictating the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing contributes to the sound upon key release. Despite the differences in materials, both switches provide a well-rounded typing experience, with slightly varying emphasis on sound during different stages of keypress.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the U4Tx's actuation force is unavailable. Both switches have a medium level of actuation force, which means that they require a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke.

However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams of force, whereas the U4Tx has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the U4Tx provides a more substantial typing experience as it requires a greater amount of force to fully press down the keys.

Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it suitable for situations such as bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience would find the heavier bottom out force of the U4Tx more appealing.

Overall, while the Cream Yellow and U4Tx switches differ in terms of their bottom out force, both still fall within the medium range of actuation force, ensuring a relatively similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it can be observed that the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the U4Tx has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. These variances in travel distance may not seem significant, but they can have an impact on the overall typing experience.

Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm has been considered the standard, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, a 3.0 mm travel distance is more shallow and may appeal to those seeking a quicker response time, particularly gamers. In this context, the Cream Yellow with its 3.5 mm travel distance could be a preferred choice for gamers wanting a slightly faster key press activation.

However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who appreciate a more substantial feel and a greater sense of key travel, the U4Tx with its 3.6 mm travel distance might be the better option.

Ultimately, the decision between the two switches with slight variations in travel distance will depend on personal preference and typing style. While the Cream Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, the U4Tx provides a slightly longer travel distance for a more pronounced typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cream Yellow linear switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a cleaner and refined sound profile. It combines the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. This results in a bassy sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The U4Tx also falls into the category of muted switches, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches.

When it comes to 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 gives a rebound-like feel, adding a lively touch to the typing experience. The Gazzew U4Tx, on the other hand, provides a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity. Each keypress is distinct, and the strong and crisp tactile bump can be felt prominently. It ensures a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile.

In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow provides a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, while the U4Tx offers a bassy and muted sound with a sharp tactile bump. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, these switches can provide a fulfilling typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cream Yellow or the Gazzew U4Tx, you can expect to have a satisfying typing experience with similar results based on your preferred sound and feel characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider.

First, in terms of sound, the Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound, offering a crisp and bright auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch provides a cleaner and refined sound profile, with a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. If you prefer a sharper and snappy sound, the Cream Yellow switch may be the one for you. But if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with minimized noise, the U4Tx switch would be a better choice for you.

Secondly, when it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience due to its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring. This gives the keys a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, offering a high feedback intensity that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. If you prefer a bouncy and lively feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be the one to go for. But if you prefer a strong and crisp tactile bump, the U4Tx switch would better suit your preferences.

Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and U4Tx switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider whether you prefer a clacky and crisp sound or a deeper and quieter sound, as well as whether you prefer a bouncy and lively feel or a sharp and distinct tactile bump. By understanding these differences and aligning them with your preferences, you can make an informed decision on which switch is best suited for you. In closing, both the Cream Yellow and U4Tx switches offer their own unique characteristics, ensuring a luxurious and satisfying typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more