KTT Rose vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options to choose from, each offering a different typing experience. Two popular switches, the KTT Rose and the Gazzew U4Tx, stand out from the crowd with their unique characteristics. The Rose switch is known for its progressive springs, which provide a substantial yet not heavy feel while typing. This switch emits a pleasant sound akin to bassy raindrops, offering a soothing auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch combines the best of both worlds by offering a refined sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, while maintaining a whisper-quiet operation when topping out. The U4Tx switch also features a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Rose and the Gazzew U4Tx differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Rose utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This gives the switch a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," offers a rich and deep sound profile owing to its softness. Despite the difference in materials, both switches deliver distinct and pleasing sound profiles, offering a similar level of satisfaction to users.
Moving onto the bottom housing, the Rose incorporates a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, the Rose exhibits a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. Similarly, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," which adds to its rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the materials used in the bottom housing may differ, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
When considering the impact of the housing materials, it's important to note their influence on the overall sound and feel of the switch. In the case of the Rose, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, as the nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and softer bottom-out experience. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. As for the U4Tx, its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to a rich and deep sound during bottoming out, while the top housing's softness further enhances the overall sound profile upon key release. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences due to their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. Although the exact actuation force of both switches is unknown, they can still be compared based on their bottom out forces.
The KTT Rose switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams, also falling under the medium-heavy category. Therefore, in terms of bottom out force, both switches offer a comparable typing experience.
Considering weight, it is important to note that lighter switches are favored by those who tend to type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. Lighter switches reduce the strain on fingers and allow for smoother and more comfortable typing. However, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, switches with heavier forces are preferred.
In this case, as both the Rose and U4Tx switches fall under the medium-heavy category, they are relatively similar in terms of weight. This means that individuals using either of these switches can expect a solid and substantial typing feel, which may be ideal for those who appreciate a stronger tactile response.
In conclusion, although the exact actuation force remains unknown for both switches, the KTT Rose and Gazzew U4Tx switches can still be compared based on their bottom out forces. They provide a similar typing experience with medium-heavy weights, making them suitable options for individuals seeking a solid and substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, the Rose has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the U4Tx's travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Rose's 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the category of the most traditional travel distance, while the U4Tx's 3.6 mm is considered more shallow. Shorter travel distances are becoming more prevalent, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the U4Tx would be a better choice. However, some individuals might find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, in which case the Rose's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Rose comes in at $3.01, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx 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 tone, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. This creates a pleasant and relaxing typing experience, resembling the sound of bassy raindrops. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resulting in a more pronounced bass tone during key presses. However, it is important to note that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Rose linear switch is designed to offer a mild and approachable typing experience. It has qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, the switch is polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a sharp and intense tactile bump with each keypress. This tactile feedback is prominent and distinct, offering a satisfying typing experience.
Based on the available information, the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Rose switch provides a low-pitched sound with a mild and polished feel, while the U4Tx switch offers a bassy sound with a sharp and tactile feel. Both switches aim to provide a luxurious typing experience that is acoustically pleasing and satisfying. If you are looking for a low-pitched and mellow sound with a gentle typing experience, the Rose switch would be a great option. Alternatively, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with strong tactile feedback, the U4Tx switch would be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a luxurious typing experience and a beautiful, bassy sound profile, the KTT Rose linear switch is the way to go. With its progressive springs and moderate actuation force, it offers a uniquely substantial yet not heavy typing experience. The low-pitched and neutral sound profile of the Rose adds to its acoustically pleasing characteristics. On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner, refined sound profile with a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the perfect choice. Its sharp tactile bump provides high feedback intensity for an exceptional typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Rose and Gazzew U4Tx switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel.