KTT Purple Click vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the KTT Purple Click and the Gazzew U4T. The Purple Click is known for its high-pitched, satisfying click, offering a perfect equilibrium between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the U4T embodies a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing an assertive tactile feedback along with a bassy "thock" sound profile. While both switches offer their own unique advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the KTT Purple Click and the Gazzew U4T differ significantly, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness, creating a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which produces a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While both materials affect the sound when a key is released, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click emphasizes a higher-pitched and resonant profile, whereas the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T delivers a deeper and more full-bodied sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the KTT Purple Click incorporates a nylon material, which is recognized as a classic switch housing option. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, allowing for more sound absorption. Conversely, the U4T features its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares similarities with the top housing. Referred to as "boba plastic," this material also enhances the sound profile with its softness, resulting in a rich and deep tone. While both housing materials contribute to the overall sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click provides a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch experience, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing's influence is more noticeable upon key release. Therefore, for the Purple Click, the nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, paired with the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing upon key release. Likewise, the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T will create a rich and deep bottom-out sound, complemented by the softer and refined sound produced by the Gazzew blend top housing when keys are released. Despite their differences, both switches offer satisfying acoustic experiences through their unique combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch reveals some notable differences. The Purple Click switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the U4T's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams and 62 grams respectively, both falling within the medium range.
When considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for extended periods without fatiguing their fingers. This makes lighter switches like the Purple Click ideal for keyboards used in professional settings or for long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these users, switches with heavier forces are more suitable.
In terms of actuation force, the Purple Click offers a medium-light experience at 40 grams, although the U4T's actuation force remains unknown. However, both switches share a medium level of bottom out force, with the Purple Click at 55 grams and the U4T at 62 grams. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of bottom out force, regardless of the differences in actuation force. Overall, the Purple Click can be considered the lighter option, while the U4T provides a slightly heavier feel for those seeking a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it can be seen that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, using either switch will result in a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, ensuring a satisfying tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. Thus, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between these two switches.
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 U4T 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 switch is best known for its satisfying, fairly high-pitched click sound. Typing on these switches produces a crunchy sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The sound profile is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4T switch offers a bassy sound profile with a deep and rich tone. Its tactile feedback is accompanied by a thocky sound, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches offer auditory satisfaction but with different characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference.
In terms of feel, the Purple Click switch offers a perfect equilibrium between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. It provides an invigorating typing sensation with its snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, the switch can be described as stepped, meaning it has two stages to its tactile feedback. Users will feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, offering a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keypress. This provides a distinct tactile sensation, ensuring a responsive and satisfying typing experience. Again, users can choose based on their preference for either a stepped feel or a strong tactile bump.
Considering all the available information, the Purple Click switch excels in its light, yet tactile keystrokes with a satisfying click sound. It provides an invigorating and stepped feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the U4T switch offers a bassy thocky sound paired with sharp tactile feedback. It provides a sharp and reactive feel with a distinct tactile bump. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, either switch can deliver a pleasurable typing experience. Keep in mind that the specific sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, users can expect similar results in terms of auditory and tactile satisfaction from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying high-pitched click, the KTT Purple Click switch is the right choice for you. It offers a perfect balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility without overwhelming you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, a bassy 'thock' sound profile, and assertive tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T switch is the ideal option. Its fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility ensures each keystroke provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction.
In terms of sound, the Purple Click provides a crunchy and resonant experience, resembling stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves with a clean and sharp sound profile. Meanwhile, the U4T offers a bassy and thocky sound, with a deeper and richer sound profile that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones, providing a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Click offers an invigorating and stepped experience, with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the U4T provides a sharp tactile feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
Ultimately, the choice between the Purple Click and the U4T boils down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your desired attributes and choose accordingly.
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