KTT Rose vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Rose and the Gazzew U4T are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The Rose switches are renowned for their beautiful appearance, but there is much more to them than meets the eye. These switches feature progressive springs, which offer a typing experience that is substantial yet not heavy. Typing on these switches is accompanied by the soothing sound of bassy raindrops. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Rose switches provide a satisfying and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts are recognized for their harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke on these switches delivers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp', the U4T switches offer a distinct typing experience with a unique combination of sound and tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Rose and the Gazzew U4T differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Rose utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiff plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is especially beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, commonly known as "boba plastic," which produces a rich and deep sound profile. This is achieved through the softness of the material, resulting in a more mellow and resonant sound.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Rose employs a nylon material that has been a classic choice for switch housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the U4T also utilizes the proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, delivering a rich and deep sound due to the material's softness.
Although the housing materials of the KTT Rose and the Gazzew U4T differ, they both prioritize the creation of a pleasing sound profile. The Rose utilizes the stiffer polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound when keys are released. Similarly, the U4T's top housing, with its proprietary Gazzew blend, offers a rich and deep sound upon key release. Nevertheless, their bottom housings vary, with the Rose utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the U4T relies on its proprietary blend for a rich and deep typing experience. Overall, both switches place importance on sound quality, providing users with satisfying auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches have an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. However, the KTT Rose has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Gazzew U4T has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may benefit from the KTT Rose switch, as it allows for longer typing periods. This is ideal for keyboards used in work settings or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may lean towards options with heavier forces.
Although the actuation forces of both switches are unavailable, it can be assumed that the actuation forces are relatively similar since they both fall within the medium range for bottom out force. Therefore, users can expect similar results when it comes to actuation. Ultimately, the KTT Rose can be considered the heavier option due to its slightly higher bottom out force, while the Gazzew U4T can be seen as the lighter option.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when typing. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar experience, providing equal tactile feedback and key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Rose comes in at $3.01, whereas the Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the switch produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses, resulting in a soothing and pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that the switch emits a deeper and richer sound, characterized by a lower frequency range similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The U4T switches also produce a satisfying and pronounced sound with each key press and release. It's important to note that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic provides a gentle typing sensation, making it approachable for users who prefer a more relaxed tactile feedback. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined keystroke, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a sharp and intense tactile feedback. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the U4T switch can be distinctly felt with every key press, adding a satisfying tactile element to the typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Rose switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, along with a mild and polished feel. This combination creates a typing experience that is both soothing and approachable. On the other hand, the U4T switch offers a bassy thock sound and a sharp tactile feedback, resulting in an auditory and tactile satisfaction with each key press.
While these switches offer distinct qualities, it's important to remember that the subjective experience can vary depending on personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, the Rose switch can provide a comparable result to the U4T switch in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a uniquely substantial typing experience with a touch of elegance, the KTT Rose linear switch might be the perfect choice for you. With its progressive springs and medium-heavy bottom out force, these switches offer both a satisfying feel and a beautiful sound profile reminiscent of bassy raindrops. They provide a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any environment.
On the other hand, if you prioritize auditory and tactile satisfaction, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force and harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, these switches produce an assertive tactile feedback and a bassy 'thock' sound profile. Each keystroke offers a deep and rich sound, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock," and can be felt distinctly with its sharp and crisp tactile bump.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a mild and polished typing experience with a more neutral sound profile, the Rose switches would suit you best. However, if you seek a more intense and satisfying tactile experience with a bassy and thocky sound, the U4T switches would be the perfect fit. Whether you prioritize elegance or auditory and tactile satisfaction, there is a switch to suit your needs.
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