KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

The KTT Phalaenopsis and the Gazzew U4 are two mechanical keyboard switches that both offer a tactile typing experience. The Phalaenopsis is best known for its beautiful translucent design, with a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue during prolonged sessions. With a satisfying and discernible tactile bump of 50g, each keystroke on the Phalaenopsis provides a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, paired with an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. It has a muted, low-pitched sound profile that is whisper quiet. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, providing a satisfying 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 Phalaenopsis Tactile

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Gazzew U4, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles. The Phalaenopsis utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Therefore, individuals seeking a switch with a sharper and more defined sound may prefer the Phalaenopsis with its polycarbonate top housing, while those desiring a deeper, more enchanting sound might lean towards the U4 with its Gazzew blend top housing.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Phalaenopsis and the U4 incorporate different materials yet again. The Phalaenopsis uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This consistency ensures that the qualities of polycarbonate, such as a sharper and higher-pitched sound, are present throughout the switch. Conversely, the U4 implements a proprietary Gazzew blend as its bottom housing. This provides a different characteristic to the switch, contributing to the impact and sound when bottoming out a key. While the Phalaenopsis offers consistency in sound profile due to its use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing, the U4 splits the qualities between its top and bottom housings, resulting in a more varied sound experience.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the top housing of a switch plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. With the Phalaenopsis, the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the sound profile when you let go of a key, adding to its overall crisp and resonant nature. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend top housing creates a unique sound when keys are released, characterized by its richness and depth. Therefore, if an individual is particularly focused on the sound produced when releasing keys, they may want to consider the housing materials in their decision-making process.

In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Gazzew U4 have distinct differences and contributions to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate housing provides a crisper and sharper sound, consistent in both the top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Gazzew U4's proprietary Gazzew blend housing delivers a rich and deep sound, splitting its qualities between the top and bottom housings. However, similarities can be found in the fact that both switches emphasize the impact of their bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, it is important for enthusiasts to consider their preferences for sound and feel when selecting between the two switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, the Phalaenopsis has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force. The Phalaenopsis requires 37 grams of force to trigger a keystroke and 50 grams of force to bottom out. In contrast, the U4 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option. While the Phalaenopsis offers a lighter typing experience, which is preferable for those who value longer typing sessions without strain, the U4 provides a more substantial push feel. This makes it suitable for individuals who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal typing preferences - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel during typing.

Travel distance

The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different travel distances. The Phalaenopsis has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, while 3.6 mm is slightly shorter. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, tend to prefer shorter travel distances. For a more responsive typing experience, the U4 would be the preferred option. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key, the Phalaenopsis, with its longer travel distance, would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. The deep and rich sound produced during key presses resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This provides a satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound. The switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It also features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide distinct sound experiences, with the Phalaenopsis offering a deeper and richer sound, while the U4 provides a quieter and more mellow tone.

In terms of feel, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is described as a stepped switch. This means that the switch has two stages of tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The tactile bump in these switches is more mild compared to hypertactile switches, allowing for a slightly smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is described as sharp and intense. It offers a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The feedback intensity of the U4 switch is higher, providing a more pronounced tactile experience compared to the Phalaenopsis.

In conclusion, the KTT Phalaenopsis and Gazzew U4 tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Phalaenopsis provides a deep and rich sound profile with a satisfying, discernible tactile bump. It offers a stepped feel, with a mild tactile feedback. On the other hand, the U4 delivers a muted, low-pitched sound with a sharp and intense tactile bump. It provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and a crisp tactile experience. It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two switches, as they offer distinct sound and feel characteristics. However, if a user is looking for a quiet typing experience, both switches can achieve similar results in terms of noise reduction.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience with a discernible tactile bump, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch with its 50g bottom out force would be a great choice for you. This switch minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions and ensures a delightful keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and exhilarating tactile bump with a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch with its medium 62g bottom out force would be ideal. These switches offer a whisper quiet sound profile, making them perfect for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more