KTT Orange vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preferences, the KTT Orange and Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer distinct experiences that cater to different styles. The KTT Orange is a linear switch known for its bouncy feel, achieved through a 22mm long spring that creates a frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Its polycarbonate milky top housing and vivid orange nylon bottom ensure durability while providing a smooth key travel that's enhanced by excellent factory lubrication. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is a tactile switch that combines a robust "thock" sound with a subtle tactile bump, making it an enticing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a more luxurious typing feel. With its refined sound profile, the U4Tx offers a perfect balance between quietness and feedback, making it suitable for both work and gaming environments. Ultimately, both switches have their merits: the KTT Orange appeals to users looking for a slick, seamless experience, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB caters to those who appreciate tactile engagement with their keystrokes. 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 U4Tx RGB Tactile

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, significant contrasts emerge, especially in the context of their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This material is known for its rigidity, resulting in a sharper, more pronounced high-pitched sound profile. Its translucency is advantageous for RGB lighting, as it allows for optimal light diffusion, creating an aesthetically appealing glow. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features a proprietary blend of plastics, often referred to as "boba plastic." This material’s softness contributes to a sound profile that is notably richer and deeper. The differing materials highlight the contrasting sound characteristics that each switch can deliver; while the Orange leans towards clarity and brightness, the U4Tx RGB emphasizes warmth and depth.

In terms of the effect of each housing on the overall switch performance, the polycarbonate construction of the KTT Orange results in a consistent sound experience from top to bottom, both producing a clear auditory feedback. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's use of the soft proprietary blend particularly influences the feel and sound during key actuation and bottoming out, creating a rounded response that is less sharp than that of the Orange. The impact is felt more when pressing down on the switch, where the softer bottom housing of the U4Tx RGB adds a distinct layer of tactile enjoyment, contrasting with the crisper feedback of the rigid polycarbonate. This split in the contribution of materials allows each switch to carve its niche, appealing to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel during usage.

If both switches were to be used in a keyboard with RGB lighting, the KTT Orange would excel in producing a strikingly illuminated experience due to its clear polycarbonate materials. On the other hand, while the U4Tx's proprietary material does not exhibit the same translucency, the overall aesthetic results can be achievable through thoughtful design and color choices. Though they utilize different materials, users could still arrive at a visually pleasing RGB experience. Ultimately, while the KTT Orange offers a bright, sharp sound ideal for users who favor clarity, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB appeals to those seeking a smoother, softer acoustic signature. Users can select between them based on personal preference, knowing they will achieve different auditory results stemming from their distinct housing compositions.

Weight

The KTT Orange linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Orange features a medium-light actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it suitable for users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, while lacking a specified actuation force, boasts a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. Consequently, this switch might appeal more to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the KTT Orange is the lighter switch, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is the heavier option, catering to different user preferences in tactile feel and force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the KTT Orange measures 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Gazzew U4Tx RGB provides a bit more depth in its keypress, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Conversely, the KTT Orange, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those seeking quicker response times, which can be particularly beneficial in gaming scenarios. Therefore, for users who favor responsiveness and a snappier feedback, the KTT Orange will be the better choice, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB may be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper key travel and more tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the KTT Orange is notable for its low-pitched sound, characterized by a mellow, bass-heavy tone. This sound is complemented by the switch's factory lube, which enhances the overall auditory experience by minimizing harshness. On the other hand, the sound profile of the U4Tx RGB is known for producing a deep "thock" when bottoming out, coupled with a quieter topping out that creates a refined soundscape. Each switch's auditory characteristics can also be influenced by keyboard choice and keycaps, making both switches versatile in different setups.

In terms of feel, the KTT Orange excels with its bouncy and frictionless characteristics. The 22mm long spring creates a lively sensation that provides significant rebound, making each keystroke feel responsive and energetic. Furthermore, the smooth, refined key travel ensures that users can experience a seamless typing journey without any resistance. In contrast, details about the feel of the U4Tx RGB are less defined, but the switch offers a tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. This tactile feedback is likely to provide a sense of precision, contributing to an overall luxurious feel.

In conclusion, both the KTT Orange linear switch and Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Orange shines with its smooth, bouncy feel and low-pitched sound, while the U4Tx presents a refined auditory experience with tactile feedback. While sound and feel dimensions differ, they each excel in their own right, giving users a choice based on personal preference. Ultimately, your experience with either switch will largely depend on your typing style and the overall keyboard configuration.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a bouncy, frictionless typing experience and seek a medium-light actuation force, the KTT Orange is an excellent choice. Its smooth key travel and low-pitched sound profile make it well-suited for both typing and gaming, allowing for rapid keystrokes without fatiguing your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a medium-heavy actuation force, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is the way to go. Its luxurious "thock" sound and sharp tactile bump offer a satisfying typing experience that many find enjoyable, especially for longer typing sessions or when you want to feel that distinct feedback as you type. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and speed with the KTT Orange or tactile sensation and sound with the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more