TTC Gold Brown vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options on the market are the TTC Gold Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Gold Browns are highly regarded for their balanced nature, featuring a slight yet satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. With a rounded sound profile that leans towards being softer than most switches without complete silence, the Gold Browns offer a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches aim to combine the best of both worlds. Designed with a cleaner and refined sound profile, these switches provide a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, while maintaining a whisper-quiet top-out sound. With a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, the U4Tx switches promise a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision in selecting your ideal switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Gold Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both materials contribute to the overall sound experience, the polycarbonate offers a more clear and resonant tone, while the Gazzew blend provides a fuller and deeper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gold Brown uses a nylon material, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, emphasizing the rich and deep sound profile associated with this material. Despite the difference in composition, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound experience, with nylon offering a deeper tone and the Gazzew blend providing a softer and more resonant sound.
When considering the complete switch, the impact of the housing materials is divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound is more influenced by the top housing. Thus, the difference in housing materials between the Gold Brown and U4Tx will affect the overall sound profiles of the switches in slightly different ways, but both will ultimately offer unique and satisfying auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force for the Gold Brown switch is 55 grams, while the exact actuation force for the U4Tx switch is not known. Both switches have a medium actuation force, meaning they require a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The Gold Brown switch has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is slightly lighter than the U4Tx switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the U4Tx switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressed down.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force, as it allows for more effortless typing and prolonged use, which can be beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some people prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, making the U4Tx switch a suitable choice for them.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have similar actuation forces, both falling under the medium category. However, the Gold Brown switch has a lighter bottom out force compared to the slightly heavier bottom out force of the U4Tx switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired weight for extended use.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have different travel distances. The Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gold Brown's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper, more satisfying key press. On the other hand, the U4Tx's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two depends on personal preference and desired typing experience. If you prefer a more responsive and shallow key press, the U4Tx with its shorter travel distance is the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Gold Brown with its 4 mm travel distance will be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision lies in whether you prioritize faster response times or a more hearty typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
The Gazzew U4Tx 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 Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced profile. It offers a slight, satisfying bump while producing a rounded, softer sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is designed to provide a cleaner and refined sound experience. It combines the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. This results in a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. While the Gold Brown switch has a more neutral sound profile, the U4Tx switch offers a bassy tone with a muted sound to minimize noise.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild typing experience with its safe and approachable qualities. It falls in a middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its buttery and polished nature ensures smooth and fluid keystrokes, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The U4Tx switch, on the other hand, is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It delivers a high intensity of feedback with a strong and crisp bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
Considering these qualities, it becomes clear that the TTC Gold Brown and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective experiences. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced sound profile with a moderate weightiness and slight bump, making it suitable for various purposes. Its mild, buttery, and polished feel ensures a seamless and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch offers a more refined sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer bassy tone. Its sharp tactile bump adds intensity to the typing experience. Both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback, but the U4Tx switch focuses more on delivering a premium sound experience.
If you are aiming for a similar result, you can expect a satisfying tactile feedback and a comfortable typing experience from both switches. However, the sound profiles will differ, with the Gold Brown switch offering a softer and more rounded sound, while the U4Tx switch provides a cleaner and bassy sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and Gazzew U4Tx switches depends on your personal preference for sound and the desired level of tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness, a slight bump, and a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a cleaner, refined sound profile that combines deep, resonant "thock" with whisper-quiet topping out, along with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, then the U4Tx is the switch to go for.
In terms of sound, the Gold Brown offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether at home or work. In contrast, the U4Tx provides a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range, giving a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Additionally, the U4Tx also offers a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to the feel, the Gold Brown provides a mild and buttery typing experience with a safe middle-ground zone of tactility. It also offers an accented and polished switch with smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the U4Tx is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity and a distinct feeling with each keypress.
Ultimately, consider your preferences for sound and feel when deciding between the Gold Brown and U4Tx switches. Whether you prioritize a balanced and moderate typing experience or a cleaner sound profile combined with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, both switches offer their unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
