TTC Gold Silver vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4T mechanical keyboard switches, one immediately notices their distinctive characteristics. The Gold Silver is a linear switch that is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and precise bottom-out sensation, accompanied by a resonant sound profile that signifies quick action. In contrast, the U4T is a tactile switch that offers a harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, resulting in satisfying auditory and tactile feedback with each keystroke. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the U4T provides a more pronounced tactile experience with a bassy thock sound. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4T switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound. The polycarbonate material offers a higher-pitched sound compared to the softer boba plastic used in the U4T, which results in a different typing experience for users. However, both top housings enhance the overall typing experience by providing unique acoustics and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Silver's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also provides a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Both materials absorb sound differently, resulting in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The nylon material in the Gold Silver switch creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the boba plastic used in the U4T, which may appeal to users looking for a softer typing experience. Overall, the bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing.
While the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4T switches differ in terms of their compositions and resulting sound profiles, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to individual preferences. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Gold Silver provides a more nuanced sound with sharper tones, while the proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings in the U4T deliver a rich and deep sound throughout the typing process. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through their unique housing materials, allowing users to customize their keyboards to suit their preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different weight options to cater to a variety of typing preferences. The Gold Silver has a light actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is unknown, so it is difficult to determine the overall typing experience in terms of pressure needed to press all the way down. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the actuation force for the U4T is unknown, users can expect a medium-heavy feel based on the bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Silver and U4T switches comes down to whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Gold Silver may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, particularly gamers who need rapid key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the U4T may suit those who prefer a more substantial key press feel with deeper actuation. Both switches offer options for different preferences, with the Gold Silver providing a shorter travel distance for faster responses, and the U4T offering a longer travel distance for a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 U4T 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 Silver linear switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and mellow tone during key presses. This switch provides a neutral sound experience, suitable for various settings and user preferences. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch presents a bassy and thocky sound profile, delivering a rich and satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can be further enhanced or altered by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch boasts a polished and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and refined key travel that minimizes friction and enhances typing comfort. With mild and subtle characteristics, this switch offers a gentle typing feel suitable for a wide range of users. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a sharp and intense tactile bump, delivering a strong and crisp feedback with each keypress. This tactile switch is distinct in its feedback intensity, providing a satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in rapid responsiveness and precision, offering a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity in every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch combines thockiness and sharp tactility to provide a harmonious fusion of sound and feel that enhances the tactile and auditory satisfaction of each keypress. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the user's preference for linear or tactile switches and their desired typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the TTC Gold Silver or Gazzew U4T, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you value rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke experience, and a resonant sound profile, the TTC Gold Silver may be the optimal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a blend of thockiness, sharp tactility, and a bassy sound profile, the Gazzew U4T could be more suitable. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.