KTT Darling vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the Gazzew U4T are two distinctive mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. On one hand, the Darling is a linear switch known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a bouncy and springy responsiveness. It delivers a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, combining tactile and auditory feedback in an engaging way. On the other hand, the U4T stands out for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. While the Darling is bouncy and clacky, the U4T is characterized as bassy and thocky. If you prefer a more tactile and auditory experience, the U4T might be the right choice for you. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gazzew U4T, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their specific housing materials. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing, which delivers a richer and deeper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting, while the proprietary blend of the U4T offers a softer material for sound absorption. While the polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, the Gazzew blend top housing focuses on providing a deep and rich sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Darling's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the U4T's Gazzew blend bottom housing offers a similar rich and deep sound profile, highlighting the softness of the proprietary plastic blend. Both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience with their chosen bottom housing materials, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the U4T's blend that delivers a more impactful sound.
Overall, the different housing materials of the KTT Darling and Gazzew U4T contribute to the switches' distinct sound profiles. While the Darling focuses on a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the U4T emphasizes a rich and deep sound with its proprietary Gazzew blend material for both top and bottom housings. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through the unique qualities that each housing material brings to the table.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch differ in terms of weight. The Darling has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, the U4T has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, although the actuation force is not provided. This makes the U4T a medium-heavy choice in comparison. The difference in weight between the two switches can cater to different preferences, with the Darling being more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the U4T provides a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a standard travel distance for switches. Gamers may prefer the Darling switch for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper keypress may opt for the U4T switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
The Gazzew U4T 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 KTT Darling linear switch offers a high-pitched and resonant experience, giving off a clacky sound when pressed that is sharp and percussive. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a bassy thock sound profile, which is deeper and richer, giving a satisfying thud-like feedback. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound profiles, with the Darling leaning towards a brighter and crisper sound, whereas the U4T provides a deeper and more resonant tone.
In the realm of feel, the KTT Darling switch is praised for its bouncy sensation, offering a springy and responsive feel that adds a lively touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, featuring a strong and distinct tactile bump that provides intense feedback with every keypress. The Darling's bouncy feel contrasts with the U4T's sharp tactility, catering to different preferences in terms of the typing experience they offer.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Darling excels in providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, complemented by its bouncy feedback. In contrast, the U4T offers a harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, delivering a bassy sound profile paired with assertive tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a brighter and bouncier typing experience or a deeper and sharper feedback, both switches offer distinct qualities that will enhance your typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a unique typing experience with a chewy yet substantial feel, along with a bouncy and springy responsiveness, the KTT Darling linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a harmonious blend of thocky sound profile with sharp tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing sensation, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Choose wisely based on what qualities resonate most with you as a typist.
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