KTT Laurel vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

The KTT Laurel and Gazzew U4 are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct characteristics for different typing preferences. The Laurel, a linear switch, is known for its medium-light weight and smooth keystrokes. Its full POM housing ensures a comfortable and responsive typing experience, while its short travel and long pole design strike the perfect balance between speed and comfort. Additionally, the Laurel emits a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the U4 is a tactile switch that provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump when typing. It offers an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding a layer of comfort to the typing experience. The U4s also boast a whisper quiet sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a muted and low-pitched typing sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your specific preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the KTT Laurel and the Gazzew U4 switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Laurel's POM top housing and the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing both create a pleasing and unique sound, albeit with slight differences. The POM top housing of the Laurel produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4 delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. When it comes to the sound produced upon key release, the top housing material plays a significant role for both switches.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Laurel's POM bottom housing and the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. Both housing materials have qualities that affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, but again, they may differ slightly. The POM bottom housing of the Laurel helps create a deeper and more muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4, often referred to as "boba plastic," also delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. These differences in bottom housing materials may translate into varying keypress experiences for users.

While there are subtle variations in the housing materials between the KTT Laurel and the Gazzew U4 switches, they both share similarities in their ability to generate pleasing and unique sounds. Both switches utilize a proprietary plastic blend for their top housing, resulting in rich and deep sound profiles. Similarly, the POM and Gazzew blend bottom housings bring about a more muted and deep sound experience. Overall, regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect to receive satisfying results in terms of sound production, with slight nuances depending on the specific housing materials employed in each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams, resulting in a similar experience when triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Laurel is 50 grams, making it lighter than the U4, which has a bottom out force of 62 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel's lighter bottom out force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and stronger push feel when typing may find the U4 more appealing, as its heavier bottom out force provides a more satisfying typing experience.

Considering the weight of the switches is crucial for finding the ideal typing experience. Those who value lightweight switches will appreciate the Laurel, while those who want a more solid and pronounced feel when typing should opt for the heavier U4 switch. Ultimately, understanding one's personal preferences and requirements will determine which switch is the better fit for their desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The Laurel's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a slightly more responsive feel compared to the U4's 3.6 mm distance. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the U4 with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Laurel linear switch is best known for its medium-light weighting and linear action. It features a full POM housing, which provides a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The switch has a short travel distance and a long pole design, resulting in a responsive keystroke. In terms of sound, the Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is renowned for its silent and tactile characteristics. It provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump when typing, offering a satisfying feedback intensity. The switch also offers an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding to the overall typing experience. In terms of sound, the U4 switch has a muted profile, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular or clacky switches. Similar to the Laurel switch, it also features a low-pitched tone, which is more bass-heavy and mellow.

Overall, the Laurel and U4 switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel provides a responsive and comfortable linear experience, with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the U4 gives a satisfying tactile experience with a sharp bump and a plush bottom-out sensation, accompanied by a muted and low-pitched sound. Depending on personal preference, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience. It's worth noting that the sound produced by the switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, the selection of these components can also contribute to achieving the desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch that offers a balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel is the way to go. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel provides a snappy typing experience that feels alive and responsive. Additionally, the Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which adds to its pleasant and mellow tone.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 is the right choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, the U4 provides a medium feel that is not too heavy but still provides a satisfying feedback with each keypress. The U4 also offers a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding to the overall typing experience. Additionally, the U4 has a muted, whisper-quiet sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Laurel and the Gazzew U4 will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize responsiveness and a mellow sound profile, go for the Laurel. If you prefer a sharp and crisp tactile bump with a quieter typing experience, opt for the U4. Both switches offer unique qualities and can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more