TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch stand out as top contenders. The Gold Red Pro offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with its neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option suitable for any setting, whether it be gaming, work, or casual typing. On the other hand, the U4Tx combines the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4 when bottoming out with the quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out, creating a unique and satisfying tactile bump. While the Gold Red Pro is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the U4Tx is characterized by its bassy, muted, and sharp profile. Each switch has its own strengths and advantages, appealing to different preferences and needs. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Partial box
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Gold Red Pro's top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the U4Tx's top housing focuses on depth and richness in sound. However, both switches offer a unique sound experience, with the Gold Red Pro showcasing a clearer sound due to its stiffer polycarbonate material, while the U4Tx provides a deeper sound profile with its softer Gazzew blend.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon material to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound compared to stiffer plastics. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx also features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, similar to its top housing, to deliver a rich and deep sound profile based on its softness. Both switches offer a unique sound experience from their bottom housings, with the Gold Red Pro emphasizing depth and fullness through nylon, while the U4Tx provides a rich sound profile with its proprietary plastic blend.
When considering the overall sound and feel of a switch, the difference in top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. With the Gold Red Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx featuring different materials for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a combination of clear, crisp sounds from the polycarbonate top of the Gold Red Pro, and deep, rich tones from the Gazzew blend top and bottom of the U4Tx. Both switches offer a unique sound experience based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences for sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Gazzew U4Tx has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Gold Red Pro is unavailable. This means that the Gold Red Pro may provide a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we find that the Gold Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the U4Tx with a distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gold Red Pro would offer a slightly deeper press compared to the U4Tx. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the U4Tx would be the better option. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the Gold Red Pro would be more suitable. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them both suitable for users who prefer a more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a bassy and muted sound, creating a refined and quiet typing experience that appeals to those seeking a more subdued auditory output. Depending on your preference for sound, the Gold Red Pro is versatile in its sound profile, while the U4Tx offers a unique combination of deep tones and quiet operation.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience suitable for various users. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is characterized by its sharp tactile feedback, offering a distinct and intense tactile bump with every keystroke. For those who prioritize tactile feedback in their typing experience, the U4Tx provides a crisp and responsive feel, while the Gold Red Pro ensures a refined and approachable typing sensation.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro excels in its versatility and adaptability, making it a suitable option for diverse typing preferences and environments. On the other hand, the U4Tx stands out for its refined sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, providing a luxurious typing experience for those who prioritize tactile response. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when making a decision between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing environment. If you value versatility, ease of press, and a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a refined sound profile, a sharp tactile bump, and a luxurious typing experience, the U4Tx could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so make your selection based on what features are most important to you.
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