TTC Gold Red vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it all boils down to personal preference. Two popular options on the market are the TTC Gold Red and the Gazzew U4T switches. The Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds a modest touch of personality without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches embody a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. While these general pointers can give you an idea of which switch might suit you best, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the most informed decision for your keyboard needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Gold Red and the Gazzew U4T differ in terms of their housing materials. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Gazzew blend top housing is known for its softness, which delivers a rich and deep sound profile. While they produce distinct sound profiles, both materials are suitable for accommodating RGB lighting due to their translucency.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gold Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing, whereas the U4T employs a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softness allows for the absorption of more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both materials share the quality of enhancing the overall sound of the switch.

When considering the impact on the sound profile and feel of the switch, the top and bottom housings play significant roles. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Although the specific qualities brought by each housing material may differ, both the Gold Red and the U4T are designed to optimize the sound experience when typing or gaming.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, meaning it requires a light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the U4T switch is unavailable, so it is unclear how much force is required to activate it. Moving on to bottom out force, the Gold Red switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that once the key is pressed all the way down, it requires a bit more force to fully engage the keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Overall, the Gold Red switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the U4T switch, which may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience. However, for individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile feel, the U4T switch with its heavier bottom out force might be the better choice.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same distance covered from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a consistent and familiar tactile experience. While other factors such as actuation force and typing feel may differ between the two switches, their travel distance remains the same, ensuring that you will achieve similar results in terms of key press depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gold Red linear switch offers a snappy and modest sound profile. It produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, with a deep "thock" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. This switch is suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a bassy "thock" sound profile that is characterized by a deeper and richer tone. Its sound resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches offer a thocky sound profile, but the U4T provides a more prominent bassy sound.

In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch offers a mild and silky typing experience. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance. The switch has a subtle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is described as sharp. It provides a high feedback intensity with a distinct and crisp tactile bump with each key press.

Based on the available information, the Gold Red and Gazzew U4T switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Gold Red switch provides a smoother and more subtle typing experience with a neutral and low-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a more tactile and intense typing experience with a bassy and thocky sound profile. Depending on your preferences, the Gold Red switch may be suitable for those seeking a smoother and gentler typing experience, while the U4T switch may be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback accompanied by a deeper and richer sound.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a touch of personality, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is a great choice. With its light-medium resistance and snappy sound profile, it offers a pleasant and satisfying typing feel suitable for everyday use. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deep, bassy sound profile, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be the better option. The U4T switches provide a thocky and satisfying sound with each keystroke, accompanied by an assertive tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your preference for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience or a stronger tactile feedback, both the TTC Gold Red and Gazzew U4T switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. In the end, it's important to select a switch that aligns with your personal typing preferences and enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more