KTT Matcha vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

The KTT Matcha and Gazzew U4T are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences to enhance your typing experience. The Matcha is recognized for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a pleasurable feel with each keystroke. Furthermore, its long pole stem delivers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4T boasts a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. Its bassy 'thock' sound profile, coupled with assertive tactile feedback, creates a truly immersive typing experience. While both switches offer tactile sensations, they differ in the aspects of sound and feel. However, let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Matcha Tactile

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Gazzew U4T switches differ in their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those intending to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which produces a rich and deep sound due to its softness. The softer material of the Gazzew blend contributes to a unique sound profile with a pronounced depth.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Matcha employs polycarbonate, similar to its top housing. Consequently, it offers similar sound characteristics, such as a sharper and crisper profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is also aesthetically pleasing for those interested in showcasing RGB lighting effects. In comparison, the U4T uses a proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, which is known for delivering a rich and deep sound. The softer nature of the Gazzew blend material enhances the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, providing a unique tactile experience.

Although the top and bottom housings of the Matcha and U4T switches differ, each housing material contributes specific qualities to the resulting sound and tactile experience. When pressing down on the switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing become noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these variations, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Matcha has a relatively lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the U4T's actuation force is currently unavailable, leaving us with unknown information. However, when looking at the bottom out force, the Matcha requires a force of 45 grams to fully press down, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T requires a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more pronounced push feel. Consideration of weight is essential as preferences vary. Those seeking a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions may lean towards the Matcha. However, individuals desiring a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might opt for the U4T. Despite the incomplete information regarding the U4T's actuation force, it is evident that a comparison can still be made between the two switches, allowing users to make an informed decision based on their individual preferences.

Travel distance

The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance you feel when you press down on a key. So, whether you choose the Matcha or the U4T, you can expect the same level of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Matcha switch delivers a clean and crisp bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem, resulting in a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile with an assertive tactile feedback. This means that the U4T switch produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, resulting in a satisfying auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha switch provides a stepped and snappy typing experience. Stepped switches offer a two-stage tactile feel where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, while snappy switches are highly responsive, making the typing experience feel more alive. The Matcha switch is also described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. Additionally, it has a feathery typing feel, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is characterized by its sharp tactile feedback, offering a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.

In conclusion, the KTT Matcha switch and the Gazzew U4T switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch provides a clacky sound profile, clean bottom-out sound, stepped and snappy feel, accented tactility, and feathery typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T switch delivers a bassy 'thock' sound profile, assertive tactile feedback, and a sharp tactile bump. While they have distinct qualities, both switches offer satisfying auditory and tactile experiences. Depending on the individual's preferences, one may prefer the crispness and clean sound of the Matcha switch or the deep, rich bass tones and sharp tactility of the U4T switch. It is important to consider personal preferences, typing style, and the overall keyboard setup in order to achieve the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a comfortable and snappy tactility, the KTT Matcha switches are an excellent choice for you. You can look forward to a clean bottom-out sound and a switch that feels stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium bottom-out force and desire a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T switches are the perfect fit. These switches offer a bassy 'thock' sound profile and a switch that feels sharp. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. Both switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. So, whether you prioritize a lighter feel and clean sound or a medium feel with a bassy thock sound, the choice is yours to make.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more