TTC Gold Pink vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two highly sought-after mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and the Gazzew U4. While both switches excel in their respective categories, they offer distinct advantages for users seeking different typing experiences. The Gold Pink, a linear switch, boasts an ultra-light 37g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and effortless typing, whether for rapid typing tasks or intense gaming sessions. With a delightful clacky sound and a buttery, feathery feel, the Gold Pinks deliver a light and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch, introduces a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing enhanced feedback with every keystroke. This switch's felt-like bottom-out sensation adds a pleasantly cushioned touch to your typing experience. Unlike the Gold Pink, the U4 shines with its whisper-quiet sound profile, ensuring a muted and low-pitched auditory experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their housing materials. The Gold Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, making it ideal for those who desire a high-pitched and clear typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who plan to pair their switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4 employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing. This "boba plastic" offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While it may not produce the same level of sharpness as polycarbonate, the U4's top housing provides a distinct typing experience with its deep tones.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Pink features a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As for the U4, it also utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This soft plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Gold Pink and U4 differ, their overall impact on the sound and feel of the switch is split. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches provide distinct and enjoyable typing experiences attributed to their respective housing materials. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper tones of polycarbonate or enjoy the deep and rich sound profile associated with Gazzew's proprietary plastic blend, both the Gold Pink and U4 deliver satisfying results.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Pink has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the U4 requires a slightly heavier force of 43 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Pink requires 45 grams of force, whereas the U4 has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams.
This discrepancy in force can be important depending on an individual's typing preferences. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Pink would be the ideal choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This makes it suitable for users who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience with its higher forces. Users who enjoy a stronger push feel will appreciate the U4's higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can result in a more satisfying and impactful typing experience, enhancing the overall typing feedback.
It is worth mentioning that if users desire a similar experience, they can achieve comparable results by using O-rings or other dampening methods. This can help modify the perceived actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to tailor the experience to their liking regardless of the switch they choose.
In summary, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a heavier force, resulting in a more substantial and tactile typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different travel distances. The Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the U4 has a more shallow travel distance compared to the Gold Pink.
In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be more traditional, while a travel distance of 3.6 mm is even shallower and more modern. Shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, then the U4 with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you.
On the other hand, some individuals may find that shorter travel distances feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. For these individuals, the Gold Pink switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. The added depth can give a more substantial feel to each keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches with different travel distances depends on personal preference. If you enjoy a shallower and quicker keystroke, the U4 is a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more traditional and deeper typing experience, the Gold Pink with its slightly longer travel distance may be more to your liking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 Gold Pink switches are best described as clacky, providing a satisfying level of feedback during typing. On the other hand, the U4 switches are known for their muted and low-pitched sound profile, offering a whisper quiet typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Pink switches offer a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. With a seamless and effortless keystroke, these switches provide a uniform and smooth sensation. They are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The U4 switches, on the other hand, provide a sharp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with every keypress. This high-feedback intensity adds to the exhilarating typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gold Pink switches deliver a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound profile. These switches are ideal for those seeking a fast and effortless typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the U4 switches offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, coupled with a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. Their sound profile is whisper quiet, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Whether you choose the Gold Pink or the U4 switches, both will provide similar results in terms of typing speed and effortless keystrokes, albeit with different sound and tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience, particularly for rapid typing or gaming, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams and 37g actuation force, these switches provide a satisfying level of feedback and a clacky sound. They offer a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would suit your needs. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. They have a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making them whisper quiet.
Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch will depend on your preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider whether you prioritize light and effortless typing or a sharp tactile bump, as well as whether you prefer a clacky sound or a more muted and low-pitched sound. Both switches offer unique advantages, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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