TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch present contrasting options for users. The Flaming Purple is praised for its resonant and bassy sound signature, making each keystroke a melody to the ears. With a feathery touch and easy-to-press actuation at 47g, it offers a swift typing experience for both enthusiasts and everyday typists. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is known for its sharp tactile bump and plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, providing a quiet typing experience with its muted sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different user preferences; 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gazzew U4 offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing is softer, delivering a rich and deep sound profile. While the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to be used for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, the U4's blend top housing offers a unique sound experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Flaming Purple and the Gazzew U4 also play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. Similarly, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both switches utilize different bottom housing materials, they both aim to enhance the overall sound experience for the user.
Although the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gazzew U4 differ, both switches focus on providing a satisfying sound experience for users. The top housing of each switch affects the sound when pressing down on a key, with the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate offering a sharper sound and the U4's blend providing a rich and deep tone. Conversely, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, with the nylon of the Flaming Purple creating a fuller sound and the blend of the U4 offering a similar deep tone. In essence, while the housing materials may vary, both switches aim to deliver a high-quality sound experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 47 grams compared to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The lighter weight of the Flaming Purple switch may be preferable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier weight of the U4 switch may be favored by users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gazzew U4 tactile switches have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when using either switch, you can expect a consistent level of keypress feedback and actuation depth. The similar travel distance ensures a familiar typing experience for users who prefer a specific key travel distance. Overall, the Flaming Purple and U4 switches provide a tactile typing experience with a consistent travel distance, making them suitable options for those who value keypress feedback and actuation depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
The Gazzew U4 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Purple is characterized by its bassy and low-pitched tones, offering a resonant sound profile that adds a touch of depth and richness to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch boasts a muted and low-pitched sound, providing a whisper-quiet typing experience. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, as the Flaming Purple offers a more engaging auditory flair, while the U4 provides a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Purple is known for its feathery and easy-to-press qualities, offering a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. The switch is described as silky, providing a smooth typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is characterized by its sharp tactile bump, delivering a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to whether you prefer a lighter and smoother typing feel or a more intense tactile bump.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer unique qualities in both sound and feel. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant and bassy sound profile, along with its feathery and easy-to-press typing feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 provides a muted and low-pitched sound with a sharp tactile bump for a more intense typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and feathery typing experience with a bassier sound profile, then the TTC Flaming Purple switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation with a muted sound profile, then the Gazzew U4 switch may be more to your liking. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel when making your decision, and ultimately, choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
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