TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gazzew U4 both fall under the tactile switch category, but offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prefer a subtle and nuanced feedback with its gentle tactile bump and subdued sound profile, allowing for an immersive typing experience without distractions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a plush bottom-out sensation and whisper quiet sound profile, making it ideal for those who seek a tactile switch with a bit more flair. Both switches have their own merits and drawbacks, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gazzew U4 feature unique top housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiff plastic creates a clear and resonant sound perfect for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," produces a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the Gold Brown Pro focuses on clarity, the U4 prioritizes depth and richness in its sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both switches offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. Both switches leverage the properties of their respective bottom housings to enhance the overall typing sound and feel, creating a satisfying tactile experience for users.
While the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gazzew U4 differ in their top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing qualities means that users will experience a combination of sharpness and depth in their keystrokes. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during bottom-out sounds and feels, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the clarity of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown Pro or the richness of boba plastic in the Gazzew U4, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keypress sensitivity. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, whereas the Gazzew U4 has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it heavier when fully pressed. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to activate, the U4 offers a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher force needed for bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better option, while those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback might lean towards the Gazzew U4. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro being slightly longer. Gamers might prefer the U4 for its faster response time, thanks to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing might opt for the Gold Brown Pro. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, but the U4 has a slight edge in terms of responsiveness due to its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying sound with a moderate actuation force. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted, low-pitched sound that minimizes noise and provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches excel in providing a quiet typing experience, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a subtle whisper and the U4 maintaining a whisper-quiet sound profile. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is described as offering a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience. These qualities combine to create a smooth and refined typing feel with gentle resistance and a light sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch is characterized by its sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity with each keypress. This intense tactile feedback gives typists a distinct and precise typing experience. While the Gold Brown Pro focuses on providing a gentle and subtle typing feel, the U4 delivers a more pronounced and sharp tactile bump for those seeking a higher level of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gazzew U4 tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro is best suited for users who prefer a more understated tactile and auditory experience, with gentle feedback and a quiet sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is ideal for those who enjoy a sharper tactile response and a more intense typing feel, with a muted sound profile that minimizes noise. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for tactility and sound, with both switches providing a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a low-profile sound, the Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump and a muted sound profile, the Gazzew U4 could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing feel and sound characteristics that best suit your preferences and working environment. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing styles, so choose wisely based on what will enhance your overall typing experience.