TTC Honey vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Gazzew U4. The Honey is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a frictionless typing experience. Additionally, it produces a deep and pleasant sound profile while being categorized as subdued, creamy, and subtle. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches bring a thrilling tactile bump when typing, providing an exhilarating sensation. Along with their tactile feedback, these switches offer a plush, felt-like bottom-out experience. The U4s also boast a whisper-quiet sound profile, categorized as muted, low-pitched, and sharp. Both switches have their unique features and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Honey utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound when the switch is pressed, resulting in a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top and bottom housings, known as "boba plastic." This unique blend of plastic delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. When pressed, the U4 switch produces a softer and more subdued sound compared to the Honey, providing a different auditory sensation.
Despite these differences, both the Honey and the U4 housing materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience. The choice of polycarbonate for the Honey's top and bottom housings ensures a consistent sound profile throughout. Similarly, the Gazzew blend used in the U4's top and bottom housings results in a cohesive sound experience that is characterized by its richness and depth. Although the materials may differ, the overall result of a pleasant typing sound is achieved in both switches. Additionally, both housing materials offer unique aesthetic benefits - the translucent polycarbonate of the Honey is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting effects, while the U4's "boba plastic" adds a touch of uniqueness and visual appeal to the switch.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the characteristics of the switch. The Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing, being relatively stiffer, contributes to a more clear and resonant sound when the switch is bottomed-out. This stiffness translates into a tactile feedback and enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the U4's Gazzew blend bottom housing, with its softness, offers a different bottom-out sound and feel. Pressing down on the U4 switch invokes a softer and more cushioned sensation, resulting in a quieter keystroke. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Honey contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound upon key release, while the U4's Gazzew blend top housing generates a distinct yet equally gratifying auditory response. Both switches offer a unique tactile and auditory experience, with differences in sound and feel attributed to their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that they have slightly different characteristics. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Honey switch is lighter than the U4 switch. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the U4 switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option.
Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This is especially beneficial for those using keyboards for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. The Honey switch would be a suitable choice for such users, providing a lighter typing experience. In contrast, there are individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, where a stronger push feel is desired. These users may lean towards options with heavier forces, such as the U4 switch. Despite the slight difference in their actuation and bottom out forces, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience in their respective weight ranges.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that they both have relatively short travel distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have gained popularity in recent years, particularly for gamers seeking faster response times. If one prefers a more responsive typing experience, the Honey with its 3.8 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may prefer the U4 with its longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Despite their slight difference in travel distance, both switches offer a shorter travel experience compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance, ensuring a more snappy and efficient typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a deep and pleasant sound profile. While not completely silent, it is more subdued and subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a whisper quiet sound profile. It is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Additionally, the U4 has a low-pitched tone, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. The sound of both switches can be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Honey switch is renowned for its smooth and creamy typing experience. It provides a silky sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This is achieved through the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. It also offers a frictionless and buttery feel, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Honey switch is described as subtle, providing a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. It is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. This means that each keypress will provide a distinct and intense tactile feedback. However, additional information about the overall feel of the U4 switch is unknown.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey switch provides a deep and pleasant sound profile, along with a smooth and creamy typing experience. In contrast, the U4 switch offers a whisper quiet sound profile and a sharp tactile bump. If you prefer a more subdued and subtle sound with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Honey switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter sound and intense tactile feedback, the U4 switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that both switches may provide similar results based on your choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lighter switch with a smooth and creamy feel, and a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a light typing experience. Despite not being completely silent, the sound produced is more subdued and subtle compared to most switches. Additionally, the Honey offers a frictionless and buttery typing sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and crave a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a more intense feedback with every keypress. The U4 also has a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and a whisper quiet sound profile, thanks to their muted and low-pitched characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and Gazzew U4 switches comes down to your personal preference for typing force, feel, and sound.
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