TTC Gold Red vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gold Red is celebrated for its buttery smooth linear action, providing a light-medium level of resistance that ensures a fluid typing experience. Its low-pitched and subtle sound profile strikes a balance, adding just the right amount of personality without overwhelming the senses. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out with its tactile feedback, delivering a pronounced bump that enhances the typing experience while maintaining a deep, refined "thock" sound when bottoming out, along with a quieter topping out for discreet use. For those who appreciate speed and smoothness, the Gold Red may be the perfect fit, while tactile aficionados might find the luxurious feel of the U4Tx RGB more appealing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a notable contrast exists between their top housings. The Gold Red features polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This quality makes it particularly well-suited for use with RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the switch. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend of plastics that are softer and more pliable. Often referred to as "boba plastic," this material lends itself to a richer, deeper sound profile, which may diffuse the sounds emitted during key presses to a greater degree than polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches employ different materials for the top housing, the use of polycarbonate in the Gold Red provides a more defined auditory experience, whereas the U4Tx RGB aims for a more rounded sound.

The bottom housings of these two switches share a closer resemblance, with both employing materials that foster a richer sound quality. The Gold Red utilizes nylon, a classic choice celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and produce a fuller auditory experience. Its softer characteristics lead to a duller sound that feels cushioned beneath the fingers. Similarly, the U4Tx RGB employs its proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing, echoing the benefits of nylon by delivering a smooth and deep sound profile. Both designs honor the principle that a softer bottom housing tends to create a more muted and rounded sound, leading to an enjoyable typing experience regardless of the specific material used.

In terms of overall performance, the differing materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the user experience. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing brings a crispness that defines the key release sound, complementing the deep and full sound produced by its nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB’s softer top and bottom housing work in harmony to create a well-rounded auditory profile that resonates throughout the key press. Though the materials differ, the tactile and acoustic responses from both switches can offer satisfying results, catering to a variety of personal preferences in sound and feel during use.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Gold Red features a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a favorable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has an unknown actuation force but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, which caters to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. This significant difference in bottom out forces implies that while both switches provide distinct typing experiences, the Gold Red is generally lighter, catering to those seeking comfort and reduced fatigue, while the U4Tx RGB offers a more pronounced tactile feedback. Due to the unknown actuation force of the U4Tx RGB, we cannot directly compare that specific aspect, but the overall feel of the U4Tx is likely to be heavier, reinforcing the preference for those who favor stronger key presses.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gold Red's longer travel distance aligns with more traditional preferences, offering a deeper and more substantial feel during key presses. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's shorter travel distance caters to users who prioritize responsiveness, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who seek quicker actuation. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Gold Red provides a more pronounced depth as compared to the more immediate feedback of the U4Tx RGB, which may feel too abrupt for some users. If you prefer a more responsive keypress, the U4Tx RGB would be the better choice, while those desiring the traditional depth would favor the Gold Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch delivers a characteristically snappy profile that strikes a balance between engaging and understated. It produces a low-pitched, thocky sound that combines a deep, rich tone with a muted resonance, making it pleasant to type on without overwhelming the senses or causing disturbances in shared environments. This makes it versatile for varied typing contexts, whether at home or in an office. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch is known for its refined sound profile, offering a deep "thock" upon bottoming out, which contributes to an auditory experience that many enthusiasts find luxurious. However, the detailed sound characteristics of the U4Tx RGB, particularly its subtlety in topping out, add a layer of stealth to the overall typing experience, though specific descriptors for its sound are less defined.

When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switches shine with their silky and polished characteristics, making for a remarkably smooth typing experience. These switches offer a mild resistance that is accessible for all types of users, providing a gentle yet satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue, especially in environments where quiet operation is appreciated. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB is designed to provide a sharp tactile bump, giving a luxurious sensation every time a key is pressed. The tactile response enhances the typing experience but doesn't compromise on smoothness, striking a fine balance between an engaging feel and effortless key actuation. Unfortunately, specific descriptors highlighting the tactile feel of the U4Tx RGB are not provided, leaving some aspects of its tactile quality unknown.

Overall, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch each offer unique sound and feel experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red excels in providing a smooth, mild typing experience with a satisfying auditory profile, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB is ideal for those who prefer a pronounced tactile response and luxurious feel. Depending on your typing style and environment, both switches can provide satisfactory results, allowing for a tailored typing experience that matches individual preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you're looking for. If you prefer a light, smooth, and milder feel in your keystrokes, where a softer touch and a snappy, low-pitched sound profile can enhance your overall experience, then the Gold Red switch would be the ideal choice for you. It excels in environments where noise control and an approachable typing experience are essential, making it suitable for both work and casual use. On the other hand, if you favor a more tactile experience with a noticeable bump and a deeper "thock" sound that brings a luxurious and refined touch to your typing, the U4Tx RGB is the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force offers a satisfying resistance that can enhance your control, particularly if you enjoy typing for extended periods or gaming. Understanding these distinct characteristics will help you select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and sound preferences.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more