TTC Gold Silver vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer distinct experiences suited to different typing preferences. The TTC Gold Silver, a linear switch, is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, characterized by a shortened travel distance that culminates in a deliberate and solid bottom-out. This switch provides a tantalizing experience with its polished sound signature, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking speed and precision. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a tactile switch, delivers a rich "thock" upon bottoming out, accompanied by a muted yet bassy sound profile. With its noticeable tactile bump, the U4Tx RGB offers a luxurious typing sensation that appeals to those who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. While the Gold Silver is ideal for those who prioritize swift action, the U4Tx caters to users who desire a more tactile and auditory experience. 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
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, significant differences are evident, particularly in the materials used for the top housings. The Gold Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucence, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, as its clear nature allows for optimal light diffusion and visibility. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, which focuses more on delivering a richer and deeper sound profile due to its softer composition. This difference suggests that while both switches can provide engaging auditory experiences, they approach sound production from distinct angles, with polycarbonate favoring brightness and clarity, while the Gazzew blend emphasizes warmth and depth.
The bottom housings of both switches also present a contrast in material use, although they both lean towards providing a fuller acoustic experience. The TTC Gold Silver employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material recognized for its classic sound profile that encapsulates a deeper, fuller acoustics thanks to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall feel during key presses. In comparison, the U4Tx RGB integrates the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing as it does in its top housing. This uniformity potentially enriches the sound quality further, as the same material contributes to a balanced feel throughout. While both switches aim to harness the softer sound profile provided by nylon or Gazzew blends, the specific characteristics driven by their unique materials ultimately shape the tactile and auditory experience differently.
In summary, the combination of materials used in the top and bottom housings is crucial to the sound profile and feel of a switch. The differences in the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing juxtaposed with the U4Tx RGB's proprietary Gazzew blend throughout both sections suggest distinct auditory outcomes. However, the presence of softer materials in both cases offers users a broader range of sound which, despite their differences, could yield similar favorable results in terms of creating an enjoyable typing experience. If one prefers a crisper response, the Gold Silver would be the choice, whereas for a richer, warmer feel, the U4Tx RGB might resonate more. Each switch ultimately provides its unique blend of sound and feedback suited to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, their specifications regarding actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct user experiences. The TTC Gold Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams, which offers a relatively light feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to less strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch's bottom out force is 65 grams, characterizing it as medium-heavy and appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push feel for a satisfying typing experience. However, the actuation force of the U4Tx is unknown, leaving room for speculation about its responsiveness compared to the Gold Silver. Overall, the TTC Gold Silver is the lighter option, ideal for those seeking a more effortless keypress, while the Gazzew U4Tx provides a firmer tactile feedback suitable for users who enjoy a heavier switch dynamic.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we find that they differ slightly. The TTC Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that those who prioritize a more responsive switch may prefer the Gold Silver for its shorter distance. However, gamers who value speed might still appreciate the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's travel despite being marginally longer. For users who enjoy a deeper keystroke, the U4Tx RGB could provide a more satisfying experience. Overall, the Gold Silver offers a quicker response, whereas the U4Tx RGB offers a gentle, albeit slightly deeper, keystroke.
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 U4Tx RGB 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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, each offers a distinctive auditory experience suited to different preferences. The Gold Silver is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound, providing a balanced, mellow tone that resonates with each swift keystroke while remaining versatile for various settings, whether at home or in an office. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch produces a muted sound with a bassy quality, giving it a deeper, richer auditory profile despite being quieter overall. This combination of muted qualities and bass-heavy depth makes it ideal for users seeking a more luxurious and refined typing experience without excessive noise.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver is acclaimed for its polished and silky smooth action, creating a streamlined typing experience with reduced friction and gentle resistance. This mild and subtle response makes it approachable for both novice and experienced typists, as the overall tactile feedback remains soft and manageable. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch lacks a detailed feel descriptor, leaving it challenging to compare directly. However, the Gold Silver's smoothed characteristics imply an emphasis on fluidity that may not be directly mirrored in the U4Tx RGB.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches present distinct qualities tailored to varying user preferences. While the Gold Silver excels in providing a swift, smooth typing experience paired with a low-pitched sound, the U4Tx RGB offers a more muted auditory profile enriched with depth. Your choice may come down to whether you prioritize a rapid, resonant action or a luxurious, quieter typing session. Overall, there is a significant yet subtle gap between the two, catering to different typing styles and environments, ensuring that you can find a suitable fit for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you're after a highly responsive and smooth typing experience with a swift actuation, the TTC Gold Silver switches are an excellent choice. They are perfect for gamers or users who value speed and fluidity in their key presses, thanks to their low-pitched sound profile and polished feel. Additionally, their muted sound makes them suitable for quieter working environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and are looking for a more luxurious typing experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB might be the better fit for you. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force, these switches provide that satisfying tactile bump alongside a resonant "thock" sound, making typing feel more engaging. They excel in environments where the sound and feel of key presses add to the overall character of your workspace. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or tactile pleasure and auditory response.