TTC Gold Silver vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a smooth and swift keystroke experience with a solid bottom-out and resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the U4 stands out for its sharp tactile bump and plush bottom-out sensation, offering a whisper-quiet typing experience. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the U4 focuses on tactile feedback and silent operation. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4 both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Gold Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting, the U4's blend top housing offers a unique sound experience with its proprietary plastic blend, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic."
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the differences between the Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4 become more apparent. The Gold Silver features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile, matching the richness of its top housing. Both switches take advantage of the unique characteristics of their bottom housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience of both the TTC Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4. While the Gold Silver splits its housing materials between polycarbonate and nylon for the top and bottom, respectively, the U4 features a consistent Gazzew blend for both top and bottom housings. This results in a balance of sharpness and depth in the Gold Silver, while the U4 offers a more uniform sound profile throughout the typing process. Ultimately, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Gold Silver has no specified bottom out force, while the U4 has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating that the U4 is heavier in terms of force required to press the key all the way down. The actuation force of both switches being equivalent means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of triggering a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter touch may prefer the Gold Silver, as it lacks a defined bottom out force, while the U4 would cater to individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for extended typing sessions, and heavier switches providing a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular in the keyboard market today. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Gold Silver for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the U4. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched experience, providing a deep and satisfying sound with each keypress. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switch produces a muted and low-pitched sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience overall. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Gold Silver focusing on a more pronounced and resonant sound, while the U4 delivers a quieter and more subtle typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity with a distinct tactile feel in every keystroke. While the Gold Silver emphasizes smoothness and subtlety in the typing experience, the U4 prioritizes a sharp and pronounced tactile feedback for a more responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels in providing rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke, and a thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking speed and precision in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump, plush bottom-out sensation, and whisper-quiet sound, appealing to users who prefer a tactile and silent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, as both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a smooth and swift keystroke, along with a resonant sound profile, then the TTC Gold Silver would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump, a plush bottom-out sensation, and a whisper-quiet sound profile, then the Gazzew U4 would better suit your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize speed and fluidity or intense tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a customized and satisfying typing experience.
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