KTT Orange vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Orange and the Gazzew U4 offer distinct experiences. The KTT Orange Switches are known for their bouncy feel, featuring a 22mm long spring that provides a satisfying rebound. With a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches offer a slick and frictionless typing experience. Additionally, the excellent factory-lubing ensures a refined and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 silent tactile switches provide a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while typing, accompanied by a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. With a whisper quiet sound profile, these switches marry style with subtlety. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Orange and the Gazzew U4 have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housing components. The Orange switch features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the U4 switch utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing.

The use of polycarbonate in the Orange switch's top and bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4 switch's top and bottom housing, made of the proprietary Gazzew blend, delivers a rich and deep sound profile. This is attributed to the softness of the Gazzew blend, which contributes to a more pleasing auditory experience.

While the Orange switch has a distinction between polycarbonate top and bottom housing, and the U4 switch uses the same proprietary Gazzew blend for both, the overall impact on the switch's performance is still similar. In both cases, the housing materials contribute significantly to the sound profile of the switch. The Orange switch's polycarbonate housing provides a clear and resonant sound, while the U4's Gazzew blend offers a deep and rich experience. Regardless of the specific materials used, the top housing of both switches will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing primarily affects the sound and feel when pressing down on a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The KTT Orange linear switch has an actuation force of 46 grams, slightly lighter than the U4's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Orange requires 53 grams while the U4 demands a heavier 62 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be a suitable option. With its lower actuation force, it allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switch provides a slightly more substantial push feel. Its higher actuation force ensures a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some typists may find satisfying for a more substantial typing experience.

Both switches have a medium-level actuation force range, but the difference lies in their bottom out force. The KTT Orange requires a lighter force to fully press down compared to the Gazzew U4. This means that individuals who prefer a softer bottom out or tend to type more lightly might find the KTT Orange to be more suitable for their preferences.

In conclusion, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch differ slightly, both offer a medium typing experience. The KTT Orange provides a lighter actuation force but a lighter bottom out force as well, resulting in a smoother and potentially longer typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers a slightly heavier actuation force and a more substantial bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel and a tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference between the two switches is minimal, it is important to consider individual preferences when choosing between them. Gamers and those seeking faster response times may lean towards the Orange switch with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may opt for the U4 switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences, with both options providing similar results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Orange switches have a low-pitched profile, which means they produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This creates a pleasant and soothing typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches are described as having a muted sound profile. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which adds a deeper and more bass-heavy tone to the typing experience. It is important to note that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switches are known for their bouncy and frictionless characteristics. The 22mm long spring provides a bouncy feel, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel, providing a rebound when pressed. Additionally, the factory-lubing of the switches ensures a refined and fluid key travel, minimizing friction and maximizing smoothness. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches offer a sharp tactile bump. This means that when typing on these switches, users will experience a highly intense and distinct feedback with each keypress. Moreover, the U4 switches provide an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding to the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, both the KTT Orange and Gazzew U4 switches offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Orange switches provide a slick and frictionless typing experience with a bouncy feel and a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the U4 switches offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump along with a plush bottom-out sensation, creating a different typing experience. However, it is important to consider factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, as they can also affect the sound and feel of the switches. Depending on the individual's preference for a bouncy and frictionless feel or a sharp and intense tactile bump, either of these switches can be a great choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you value a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches provide a smooth and effortless key travel, minimizing any sense of resistance. The Orange switches also feature a unique spring design that enhances the bouncy feel while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump and a muted, whisper-quiet sound profile, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be the better option. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the U4 switches offer a satisfying feedback intensity with each keypress, giving you a distinct tactile bump. Additionally, the U4 switches have a sound profile that minimizes noise, making it ideal for quiet environments. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch depends on your preference for typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

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Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more