TTC Flame Red vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Gazzew U4T offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is renowned for its mesmerizing light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prioritize an eye-catching RGB keyboard. Typing on these linear switches provides a satisfyingly smooth experience accompanied by a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches boast a unique blend of thockiness and sharp tactility. With a deep bassy 'thock' sound profile and firm tactile feedback, every keystroke on the U4Ts offers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision regarding the most suitable switch for your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gazzew U4T switches have several similarities and differences. Both switches utilize a soft plastic material for their top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Flame Red employs nylon as its top housing material, while the U4T uses a proprietary Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic." These materials absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, they might produce slightly different tonal qualities due to the specific blend used in the U4T.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the similarities between the Flame Red and the Gazzew U4T continue. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing material, which again provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounder sound compared to harder plastic housings. Similarly, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic," offers the same rich and deep sound profile due to its softness.

When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound profile and feel of the switches, there is a notable difference. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings may differ in their materials for some switches, the overall outcome is similar in terms of providing a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness and sound-absorbing properties of both nylon and the Gazzew blend.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gazzew U4T switches, namely nylon and the Gazzew proprietary blend, bring about similar results in terms of sound profile. Both materials have soft properties that absorb sound, creating a deeper, fuller, and more rounded sound when typing. While there might be minor tonal differences due to the unique blend in the U4T, the objective of enhancing the sound experience is achieved in both switches. Additionally, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the actuation force of the U4T is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. When it comes to bottoming out, the Flame Red requires a force of 54 grams, while the U4T requires a slightly heavier force of 62 grams. Therefore, the Flame Red can be considered lighter in terms of bottoming out force compared to the U4T.

Considering the weight of the switches, lighter options like the Flame Red can offer advantages for those who prefer extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Flame Red can provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, reducing fatigue over time. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer heavier options. In this case, the U4T with its higher bottom out force may offer a stronger push sensation, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier touch.

Overall, the Flame Red and the U4T differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, with the Flame Red being lighter in terms of bottoming out force. These differences can impact the typing experience, with the Flame Red offering a medium-light touch, while the U4T provides a medium tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the lighter and more responsive experience of the Flame Red or the heavier and more substantial typing sensation of the U4T.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have similar travel distances of 4 mm. These travel distances determine the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is what the user feels when they press down on a key. Both switches provide a satisfying amount of travel, allowing for comfortable and responsive typing experiences. Therefore, you can expect similar results from both switches in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red switch provides a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound during key presses. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and whether they are using the switch at home or in a work setting. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper and richer sound with lower frequencies, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the U4T switch produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a soft "knock" or a deep "thud". It provides a satisfying auditory experience during typing.

In terms of feel, the TTC Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. Being a mild switch, it provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable and comfortable to most users, as its qualities all stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Flame Red switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is achieved through the use of smooth materials or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. With each keypress, users can distinctly feel a strong and crisp tactile bump. This provides a high feedback intensity and enhances the overall typing experience.

Taking all the available information into account, the TTC Flame Red switch and the Gazzew U4T switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch has a weighty smoothness when typing and produces a clacky sound profile. It provides a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the U4T switch combines a bassy thock sound profile with a sharp tactile feedback, resulting in an auditory and tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. These switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. Should users desire similar results in sound and feel, they may opt for different keycaps, keyboards, or modifications to achieve their desired experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a visually stunning and illuminated keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches not only offer a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile but also come with a dazzling light diffuser, making them perfect for backlit RGB keyboards. On the other hand, if you value a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be a great option. With its bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke provides a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. In terms of sound, the Flame Red offers a neutral profile suitable for most purposes, while the U4T delivers a deeper and richer bassy sound with a satisfying thock. As for feel, the Flame Red provides a mild and polished typing experience, suitable for a wide range of users, while the U4T offers a sharp tactile response, providing a distinct and intense feedback with every keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and Gazzew U4T switches depends on your priorities for keyboard aesthetics and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more