TTC Gold Red vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and the Gazzew U4Tx offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red is renowned for providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality to your keyboard, without being overly ostentatious. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx combines the best of both worlds. With its ingeniously designed switches, it offers a cleaner, refined sound profile. The deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and the whisper-quiet topping out creates a unique acoustic experience. Additionally, the U4Tx provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, elevating the typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch best suits your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gazzew U4Tx switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which gives rise to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which produces a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound. This is attributed to the softness of the material.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Red employs a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the U4Tx incorporates the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, again providing a rich and deep sound due to the material's softness.

While the bottom and top housings differ between the Gold Red and the U4Tx, their characteristics ultimately reflect in the sound profile and typing experience. Pressing down on either switch will showcase the qualities of the respective bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials may vary, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red and the Gazzew U4Tx switches each utilize different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the U4Tx incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housings, producing a rich and deep sound profile. Despite these differences, the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Therefore, both switches offer unique sound experiences that can be tailored to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is relatively light, while its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 50 grams. On the other hand, the actuation force of the U4Tx tactile switch is currently unknown, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option.

The lighter actuation force of the Gold Red switch makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing, allowing them to type for extended periods without fatigue. This attribute is especially valuable for individuals who use their keyboards extensively, such as in professional settings or during long gaming sessions. Conversely, the U4Tx switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Some users prefer this stronger push feel, as it gives them a sense of satisfaction when pressing down on the keys.

While the actuation force of the U4Tx switch is currently unknown, it is important to note that the bottom out force is heavier than that of the Gold Red switch. This suggests that the U4Tx tactile switch could require more force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a different typing experience compared to the lighter Gold Red switch. However, without the exact actuation force information, it is difficult to make a definitive comparison in terms of triggering a keystroke. Therefore, if the actuation forces were to be the same or similar between the two switches, users may obtain comparable results in terms of the force required to initiate a keystroke.

In summary, the TTC Gold Red switch is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force, providing a lighter typing experience suitable for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is medium-heavy, with an unknown actuation force but a higher bottom out force, offering a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience, whether it be a lightweight touch or a stronger, more tactile response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it becomes evident that they have different distances. The Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the traditional distance, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. If you are looking for a more traditional feel and enjoy a deeper keystroke, the Gold Red would be the better choice as it offers a longer travel distance. On the other hand, if you prioritize faster response times and prefer a shallower keystroke, the U4Tx's shorter travel distance might be more suitable. It's important to consider your personal preferences and needs when deciding between these switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. When pressed and released, these switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, similar to a soft "knock" or a deep "thud". This low-pitched tone adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too overpowering. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is described as bassy and muted. The key presses on these switches result in a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, these switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's worth noting that the sound of both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. The switch offers a gentle resistance that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. It also provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The typing feel is light and not overly pronounced, making it suitable for shared spaces. Furthermore, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump. Each keypress provides a strong and crisp tactile feedback that can be distinctly felt. This intense feedback adds a luxurious element to the typing experience, ensuring a satisfying tactile response with every press.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch excels in providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, accompanied by a snappy and modest sound profile. It offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a refined sound profile with a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet stealth during the topping out. It provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, enhancing the overall typing experience. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches aim to provide a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience for users.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, which adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. Additionally, the Gold Red switches provide a mild and silky typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and approachable experience for most users.

On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and refined sound profile with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches would be more suitable for your needs. These switches offer a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, coupled with a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. With a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bassy, muted sound profile, the U4Tx switches provide an acoustically pleasing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switches and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches boils down to personal preference. Consider factors such as the desired level of resistance, sound profile, and tactile feedback intensity when making your decision. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and are designed to enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more