KTT Pine vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are many options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular switches in the market are the KTT Pine and the Gazzew U4. The Pine is best known for its medium-heavy weight, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction, ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump when typing, providing a satisfying feedback. Additionally, it offers a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4s also have a whisper quiet sound profile, making them perfect for those who prefer a more muted 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 Pine Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Pine and the Gazzew U4 have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both. However, despite the differences, both housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches.

The Pine's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, which results in a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through and enhance the visual aesthetics. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing produces a rich and deep sound profile. The softness of this material contributes to a more mellow and immersive typing experience.

Similarly, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing leads to a sharper and crisper sound when compared to the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing. As with the top housing, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound. Conversely, the U4's bottom housing, made of the soft Gazzew blend, contributes to a deeper and more pronounced bottom-out sound, enhancing the physical feedback when you press down on the keys.

It's worth noting that the impact of the housing materials may differ depending on the specific action. When pressing down on either switch, you'll feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is primarily influenced by the top housing. Despite these differences, both the KTT Pine and Gazzew U4 offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, providing a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When considering the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, a few key similarities and differences can be observed. In terms of weight, both switches fall under the medium category. However, the Pine offers a slightly lighter actuation force at 45 grams compared to the U4's 43 grams. Similarly, the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, whereas the U4 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine switch may be more suitable as its lower actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently use their keyboard for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial and forceful keystroke may lean towards the Gazzew U4 switch. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more pronounced and satisfying push feel during typing.

Although the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Pine and U4 switches are relatively minor, they can still have an impact on the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing sensation. Regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect a similar result in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, as both fall within the medium range.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is 3.6 mm. This means that the Pine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the U4. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the more traditional option, providing a deeper press and potentially more satisfaction for those who prefer a greater sense of depth when typing. On the other hand, the U4's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm may be more appealing to gamers or individuals seeking faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker key presses. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the U4 with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press and a stronger tactile feedback, the Pine's longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the optimal travel distance depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These characteristics contribute to a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound. This means that the U4 offers a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a deeper and bass-heavy sound, the Pine switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a quieter and more muted sound, the U4 switch would be more appropriate.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Pine switch offers a silky sensation, as if gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is characterized by a sharp tactile bump. This means that the U4 switch provides a high feedback intensity, allowing the user to distinctly feel the tactile bump with each and every keypress. If you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Pine switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, the U4 switch would be more suitable.

In conclusion, the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch provides a bassy sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing experience, while the U4 switch offers a muted sound and a sharp tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose the switch that aligns better with their desired sound and feel. If a deep, bass-heavy sound and a smooth typing experience is preferred, the Pine switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if a quieter, more muted sound and a strong tactile feedback is desired, the U4 switch would be more suitable. It's important to consider individual preferences and factors like the choice of board and keycaps to ensure the best overall experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-weight linear switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine switch is a great choice. With its polished and factory-lubed finish, it minimizes friction and provides a buttery smooth key travel. The Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, allowing for a deeper and richer sound during key presses. When it comes to feel, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight tactile switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 switch is a fantastic option. It offers an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, enhancing the typing experience. The U4 switch has a muted and low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a quieter typing experience. In terms of feel, the U4 switch is known for its sharp and crisp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity with each keypress.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Pine and Gazzew U4 switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the specific sound and feel that you desire. Whether you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience or a sharp and intense tactile feedback, both switches have their own unique characteristics to cater to your needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more