KTT Miaowu vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch stand out as popular options in the market. The Miaowu switch is renowned for its smooth keystroke action and enhanced stem stability, thanks to KTT's latest molds and POK stem material. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is praised for its unique blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, delivering a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with each keystroke. While the Miaowu switch is described as 'bouncy' and 'clacky', the U4T switch is known for its 'bassy', 'thocky', and 'sharp' characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The KTT Miaowu features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, or "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. Despite their differences, both housing materials aim to enhance the sound profile of the switches, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and crispness, while the Gazzew blend focuses on richness and depth.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing offers a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing provides a rich and deep sound profile similar to its top housing. Both bottom housing materials aim to contribute to the overall sound quality of the switches, with nylon emphasizing depth and fullness, while the Gazzew blend offers a smoother and softer sound experience.
When considering the impact of different top and bottom housing materials on a switch, it is important to note how these qualities are distributed. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the variations in material and sound characteristics between the KTT Miaowu and the Gazzew U4T, both switches focus on enhancing the overall sound experience for users, whether it be through sharper clarity and crispness or rich depth and softness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The Miaowu switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a smoother and more effortless typing feel. In contrast, the U4T switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may opt for the Miaowu switch, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may lean towards the U4T switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Miaowu switch offers a quicker key press and response time, which may be favored by gamers seeking a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the U4T switch provides a slightly deeper key press experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
The Gazzew U4T 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 KTT Miaowu linear switch offers a clacky experience, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a bassy thockiness, delivering a deep, rich sound profile during key presses reminiscent of a satisfying "thud" or "knock." Both switches offer distinct auditory profiles, with the Miaowu leaning towards a brighter and sharper sound, while the U4T offers a deeper and more resonant thockiness.
Moving on to feel, the Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives keystrokes a lively and rebounding feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a sharp tactile feedback with a high intensity, featuring a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctive with each keypress. The Miaowu's bouncy feel gives a sense of playfulness and responsiveness, while the U4T's sharp tactility offers a more pronounced and defined feedback experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Miaowu excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, lively feel, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T stands out with its bassy thockiness sound and sharp tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer a deeper, more pronounced tactile sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide distinct typing experiences that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the KTT Miaowu linear switch or the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, you should opt for the Miaowu if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a smoother keystroke action with enhanced stem stability. The Miaowu switch is best known for its POK stem and clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and crave a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T is the way to go. The U4T switch provides a bassy 'thock' sound profile and a sharp tactile bump for a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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