TTC Ice vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two strong contenders are the TTC Ice and the Gazzew U4, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The TTC Ice switches shine with their crystal-clear transparent design, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience that is particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming and everyday use alike. Their linear nature ensures a fluid keypress with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them a favorite among those who value consistency and speed. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switches stand out with their pronounced tactile feedback and plush bottom-out sensation, offering a sharp yet muted tactile experience that many typists find exhilarating. With a whisper-quiet sound profile, the U4s are ideal for quiet environments where distraction must be minimized. Ultimately, selecting between these switches comes down to personal preference: whether you prioritize smoothness and speed with the Ice, or tactile feedback and subtlety with the U4. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and Gazzew U4 switches highlight a distinct contrast in housing materials, each offering unique audio experiences due to their differing compositions. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material noted for its stiffness and translucency. This choice results in a clearer and crisper sound profile, contributing to a high-pitched auditory experience. Moreover, the clear polycarbonate design allows RGB lighting to shine through brilliantly, making these switches a visually appealing option for those who prioritize both aesthetics and performance. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 employs a proprietary blend of plastic often referred to as "boba plastic," which is softer and designed to deliver a richer, deeper sound profile, particularly well-suited for users who prefer a more muted and smooth auditory feedback.
The differences in sound profiles between the two switches are not merely cosmetic but are deeply rooted in the materials used for the top and bottom housings. In the TTC Ice, the use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings reinforces its sharper acoustics, making the sound of bottoming out particularly pronounced. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4's softer housing materials lead to a tonal balance that emphasizes warmth and depth. This divergence means that the tactile experience differs significantly between the two; the Ice stands out for those who appreciate the bright clarity in sound, while the U4 is designed for users wanting a more subdued, comforting typing experience.
If one were to combine the switch designs from both manufacturers, the unique qualities of each housing material would influence the overall experience. For example, employing a polycarbonate top from the Ice with a Gazzew U4 bottom housing could yield a hybrid sound profile that incorporates the crispness of the Ice's construction with the warmth of the Gazzew's boba plastic. Conversely, pairing the U4's top with Ice's bottom would create a sound combination that merges deeper tones with sharper acoustic characteristics. Thus, while both switches offer distinctly different sound profiles, experimenting with mixed housing materials can unlock new auditory dimensions, allowing users to customize their typing sound and feel substantially.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces, each requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This results in a comparable typing feel, making them suitable for users who appreciate a balanced force during regular use, whether for work or gaming. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the U4 slightly edges out the Ice switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Ice’s 60 grams. This means that while both switches provide a medium resistance, the U4 offers a slightly firmer feel upon fully depressing the key. In terms of weight perception, both switches are relatively light, appealing to users who favor a less strenuous typing experience. Ultimately, those who prefer a bit more resistance in their typing may lean towards the Gazzew U4 due to its marginally higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch both share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same key press depth when using either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the feel and responsiveness of both switches remain consistent during typing or gaming. As a result, users seeking a balanced key travel experience would find similar results with either option. Therefore, there is no distinction in terms of travel distance, allowing for an equal playing field when it comes to performance in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Ice linear switch is characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound that delivers a premium audio experience, making it suitable for both gaming and daily typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, which minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Ice provides a more resonant acoustic feedback, the U4 ensures a quieter environment, making it ideal for use in shared spaces or quieter settings. The audible nature of the Ice pairs nicely with its responsive action, while the U4 offers a more subdued auditory experience, allowing for an unobtrusive typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switch is recognized for its smooth and responsive action, delivering a seamless typing experience. The Gazzew U4, however, stands out with a sharp tactile bump that is both exhilarating and distinctly felt with each keystroke. This strong feedback intensity creates a dynamic interaction between the user and the keyboard, contrasting the smoothness of the Ice. The U4’s plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation adds an extra layer of comfort to the tactile experience, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile response.
In conclusion, the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Ice offers a more resonant and smooth typing experience, ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback, while the U4 provides a sharp and satisfying tactile sensation paired with a quiet sound profile, suitable for those who prefer a subtle approach. Depending on your typing style and environment, you'll find that both switches can deliver excellent results, but with distinct experiences that may align better with specific preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Ice linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams balances efficiency and comfort, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile sensation with a notable bump on each keystroke and prefer a quieter typing experience, the Gazzew U4 is a strong contender. With its slightly higher bottom-out force of 62 grams, the U4 provides a sharper tactile feedback and a plush sensation when bottoming out, complemented by its muted, low-pitched sound profile. Therefore, if you’re seeking a more dynamic and lively typing experience, go with the Ice, but if you lean towards precision and a subtle auditory footprint, the U4 will serve you well. In the end, consider what aspects of typing matter most to you and choose accordingly for a more enjoyable keyboard experience.
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