KTT Purple Click vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Purple Click and the Gazzew U4 are two mechanical keyboard switches that each offer their own unique benefits. The Purple Click switch is best known for its satisfying, high-pitched click sound, giving a crunchy and invigorating typing experience. It strikes a perfect balance between being light and offering a pronounced tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch is revered for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing a tactile sensation that is both satisfying and plush. In addition, it offers a surprisingly quiet typing experience, with a muted and low-pitched sound profile. Each switch has its own distinct qualities that make it a desirable choice for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their composition and how they impact sound profiles. The Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for a translucent housing, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4 employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Purple Click incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, which shares the same "boba plastic" designation. Similar to the top housing, this material brings a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness.
As a result of these differences, the characteristics offered by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the KTT Purple Click, you will experience the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing of the switch will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the Gazzew U4 will showcase the unique sound profile attributed to its proprietary Gazzew blend, with the bottom housing shaping the bottom-out experience and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release.
In summary, while the KTT Purple Click and the Gazzew U4 differ in their housing materials, both switches offer distinct sound profiles. The Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings contribute to a rich and deep sound profile due to their softness. Despite these differences, both switches demonstrate how varying housing materials can greatly affect the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the medium range. The actuation force of the Purple Click is slightly lighter at 40 grams, while the U4 requires 43 grams to actuate. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Purple Click is 55 grams, whereas the U4 has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams.
In terms of weight, both switches can offer a comfortable typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Purple Click more suitable as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower than the U4. This lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for long workdays or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience may favor the U4 switch. With its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback for those seeking a bit more resistance.
Although the forces required for actuation and bottoming out differ slightly between the two switches, the overall medium range of both options ensures a balanced typing experience. Whether one prefers the slightly lighter touch of the Purple Click or the slightly heavier feel of the U4, both switches offer a reliable and enjoyable typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we find that the Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the U4 has a shallower key press compared to the Purple Click.
Traditionally, a travel distance of 4 mm is considered standard, while 3.6 mm is slightly shallower. However, with the increasing demand for faster response times, shorter travel distances have become popular among gamers. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the U4 may be more suitable for you.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a deeper and more tactile feel when pressing keys. In this case, the longer travel distance of 4 mm offered by the Purple Click may be more appealing. The added depth in the key press can provide a satisfying feeling and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback.
In both cases, you can expect to have a similar experience when it comes to the travel distance of these switches. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the Purple Click and the U4 can have an impact on the overall typing experience and personal preference. Ultimately, it depends on your individual typing style and preferences to determine which switch's travel distance would be more suitable for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
The Gazzew U4 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
The Purple Click clicky switch is best known for its satisfying high-pitched click sound. Typing on these switches offers a light keystroke with a pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance. The sound profile of the Purple Click is described as crunchy and resonant, resembling the sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while typing. These switches offer an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, creating a unique typing experience. The sound profile of the U4 switches is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, with a lower-pitched and bass-heavy tone. Overall, the Purple Click and the Gazzew U4 offer different sound profiles and tactile sensations, giving users varied options based on their preferences.
In terms of sound, the Purple Click switch provides a crunchy and resonant experience, with a higher-pitched and immersive sound profile. On the other hand, the U4 switch offers a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, and featuring a more low-pitched and mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Click switch delivers an invigorating and reactive typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force. It offers a stepped feel, meaning there is a slight pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. The U4 switch, on the other hand, offers a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity, allowing users to feel distinct feedback with each keypress.
Considering the available information, the Purple Click and Gazzew U4 switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Purple Click provides a high-pitched, satisfying click sound with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, while the U4 offers a muted sound profile with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. Both switches provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences, catering to different preferences. It is important to note that the sound and feel of the switches are also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel if they use the recommended combinations.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a satisfying and pronounced click, along with a light and balanced keystroke, the KTT Purple Click switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams provides a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Purple Click switch offers a crunchy and resonant sound profile, adding to the immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a silent tactile switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 switch would be an excellent option. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the U4 offers a comfortable keystroke. Furthermore, the U4 switch features a muted and low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a whisper quiet typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Purple Click and Gazzew U4 switches comes down to personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. Consider whether you prefer a clicky switch with a higher-pitched and immersive sound profile, or a tactile switch with a softer and quieter sound. Additionally, assess whether you prefer the invigorating and stepped feel of the Purple Click switch or the sharp and intense tactile bump of the U4 switch.
In the end, whichever switch you choose, both the KTT Purple Click and Gazzew U4 offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. With these guidelines, you can make an informed decision based on your preferences and typing style. Happy typing!
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