KTT Lightning vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and Gazzew U4Tx RGB present two distinct options that cater to different user preferences and typing styles. The KTT Lightning, a linear switch, is designed for speed enthusiasts who prioritize quick actuation and a smooth typing experience. Known for its clacky sound profile and polished feel, it shines in fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB embodies a tactile switch characterized by its deep "thock" when bottoming out and a subtle, quiet topping-out sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a luxurious typing experience. While the Lightning excels in speed and a slick feel, the U4Tx RGB caters to users seeking both tactile sensation and refined acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Lightning Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.41 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches present an intriguing contrast that significantly impacts their sound profiles. The Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This resilience allows the switch to generate a more clear and resonant audio output. Aesthetically, the translucence of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, allowing the glow to shine through effectively. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend of plastic referentially called "boba plastic" for its top housing. This material, while softer than polycarbonate, results in a richer and deeper sound profile. The notable property of this boba plastic is its ability to absorb vibrations, leading to a less piercing sound compared to that of the Lightning.

Examining the bottom housing materials reveals another layer of comparison. The KTT Lightning employs a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic choice among mechanical switches. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, resulting in a more muted bottom-out experience. This contrasts with the U4Tx RGB, which also utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the sound-dampening attributes of this softer material, allowing for a richer and deeper auditory experience. While both switches utilize different materials for their top housings, the similarities in their bottom housings create common ground in their acoustic performance, ensuring that both can offer satisfying sound qualities.

When both top and bottom housings are considered, it becomes evident how their distinct attributes interplay to deliver a nuanced typing experience. The KTT Lightning's polycarbonate top yields a clear and bright release sound, whereas its nylon bottom results in a full-bodied and rounded bottom-out sound. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's softer boba plastic top softens the keystrokes, providing a more subdued initial keystroke sound but maintaining the richness in the bottom-out feedback due to its parallel softer bottom housing. This combination means that while the switches may produce different sound characteristics in isolation, the overall experience of tactile feedback and auditory delight can be similar due to the shared qualities fostered by the boba plastic used in both of their bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Lightning switch features a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent option for long typing sessions or gaming due to its lower weight. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch has an unspecified actuation force, but its bottom out force is notably heavier at 65 grams. This suggests a firmer key feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Lightning switch is lighter, while the U4Tx RGB is heavier, catering to different user preferences for typing and gaming dynamics.

Travel distance

The KTT Lightning linear switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the varied user preferences when it comes to key switches. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, providing a more responsive feel during fast-paced gameplay. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress, offering a sensation that some may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Therefore, while both switches serve specific user needs, the KTT Lightning is the shorter option, making it ideal for those who favor agility, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is the longer option, suitable for users seeking a deeper typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a distinct "clacky" audio signature that is characterized by sharp, bright, and percussive tones. This high-pitched sound profile resonates with users who enjoy more crisp auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Contrastingly, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch boasts a refined acoustic experience with its deep "thock" on bottoming out, coupled with the quieter "stealth" of the top-out. While the U4Tx RGB is noted for its luxurious sound profile, the specifics are not elaborated upon, leaving some unknowns regarding how it might compare directly in volume or clarity to the Lightning.

In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning switches are designed to provide a subtle and polished typing experience. They offer a gentle resistance that strikes a balance between not being overly feather-light while still enabling smooth key travel. The polished finish ensures reduced friction, enhancing the overall tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB features a sharp tactile bump, which adds a luxurious feel during each keystroke, but without detailed descriptions of its own tactile qualities, we lack a specific comparison of the tactile experience it delivers against the smoothness of the Lightning switches.

In conclusion, both the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch have unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. The Lightning's clacky sound and polished feel make it ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, whereas the U4Tx RGB offers a deeper acoustic depth with its tactile bump, suitable for those who favor a more luxurious typing experience. Given the elements present in both switches, you can expect a compelling performance from either depending on your typing style and sound preference; however, the unknown attributes of the U4Tx RGB’s sound and feel leave some key comparisons open-ended.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you are a gamer looking for quick response times and a smooth, fast typing experience, the KTT Lightning switches are an excellent choice. Their light bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for rapid key presses, making them ideal for competitive gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, these switches will provide an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the gaming experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more refined and luxurious typing experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches are the better option. Their medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and sharp tactile bump deliver satisfying feedback, ideal for typing tasks that benefit from deliberate key presses. The U4Tx switches' deep "thock" sound also offers a more subdued acoustic profile, making them suitable for shared working environments. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and the atmosphere in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more