KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the auditory and tactile feedback that different switches provide, and the KTT Cream Yellow and Gazzew U4Tx RGB exemplify two distinct approaches to this end. The KTT Cream Yellow is celebrated for its bouncy feel and the distinct clacky sound it produces, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy dynamic auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer a luxurious experience with their deep "thock" sound on bottoming out combined with quiet top-out feedback, making them perfect for those who appreciate a tactile bump but prefer a more subdued auditory profile. While the Cream Yellow excites with its vibrant sound and playful feel, the U4Tx RGB presents a refined option for those who seek both performance and elegance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, distinct differences in sound profile and performance characteristics emerge. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This combination allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly suitable for applications where RGB lighting is a consideration. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, referred to as "boba plastic." This specially formulated plastic, while still offering some translucency, is designed to provide a deeper, richer sound due to its softer nature, creating a much warmer auditory experience, especially when accompanying RGB lighting.

The bottom housing of each switch also showcases contrasting materials with their respective sound profiles. The KTT Cream Yellow uses nylon for its bottom housing, a traditional choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties. This aspect allows it to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a rounder feel during keypresses. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing mirrors its top with a Gazzew blend, maintaining consistency across the switch's construction. It shares similar characteristics with nylon by delivering a rich, deep sound through its softness, which contributes to a cohesive auditory experience that emphasizes a subtle yet satisfying feel upon bottoming out.

Ultimately, while the housing materials of the Cream Yellow and U4Tx RGB differ significantly in terms of sound characteristics, they also exhibit some parallels in their design intentions. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Yellow can achieve bright outputs beneficial for RGB setups, while the U4Tx RGB's top blend favors a warmer, enriched sound. When considering how the bottom and top housings influence the overall sound and tactile feedback of these switches, both designs allow for unique experiences that cater to user preferences, indicating that players may achieve similarly gratifying results through their thoughtful housing selections despite differing material usage.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch to the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, both falling within a medium range. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This indicates that the Gazzew U4Tx might feel heavier overall, especially at the bottom end of the keystroke. As a result, users who prefer a lighter typing experience, suitable for extended use like long work sessions or gaming, may lean towards the KTT Cream Yellow. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial and tactile typing experience would likely find the Gazzew U4Tx RGB to be a better fit. Overall, the Cream Yellow is the lighter switch, while the U4Tx RGB is the heavier option in terms of bottoming out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we find that the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4Tx RGB measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Cream Yellow the shorter of the two, providing a more responsive feel that some gamers might prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its slightly longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that can be more comfortable for users who appreciate a more tactile sensation while typing or gaming. Therefore, if you're seeking a snappier response, the Cream Yellow is the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke might lean towards the U4Tx RGB.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it's clear that they offer distinctly different auditory experiences. The Cream Yellow is celebrated for its distinctly clacky sound, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive tone that results from its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. This design contributes to a resonant audio feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch delivers a refined sound profile, blending the deep "thock" associated with U4T switches when bottoming out with the quieter, stealthy sound of U4 switches when topping out. This means that while the Cream Yellow provides an engaging and lively auditory response, the U4Tx RGB focuses on a more subtle yet luxurious acoustic experience.

In examining the feel of these switches, the Cream Yellow is known for its bouncy characteristics, offering a spring-like feedback that gives a sense of liveliness with each press. The combination of a lengthened spring and design results in a noticeable rebound feeling, making typing an energetic experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB switch, with its sharp tactile bump, offers a refined tactile sensation, allowing users to enjoy a more luxurious typing experience. While both switches provide a pleasurable feedback sensation, their primary traits differ, one leaning towards a bouncier sensation and the other emphasizing a more defined tactile feedback.

In summary, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cream Yellow shines with its bright and clacky audio, paired with a dynamic bounce, while the U4Tx RGB excels in delivering a soft yet luxurious sound combined with a sharp tactile response. Depending on your typing style and preferences, both switches can offer rewarding and enjoyable results, but each brings its unique character to the keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch should largely be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a lively, bouncy feel with a distinctively clacky sound profile, then the Cream Yellow might be the right choice for you. Its 58-gram actuation force provides a satisfying resistance while still being manageable, making it ideal for both casual typing and gaming where you might appreciate the feedback of a responsive key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience combined with a refined sound, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB would suit you better. With a heavier 65-gram bottom-out force, it delivers a luxurious typing experience characterized by a "thock" sound that blends depth and stealth. This switch is perfect for those who favor tactile feedback for typing accuracy and a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you prioritize a bouncier, vibrant sound or a solid, tactile response.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more