KTT Semi Mute vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Semi Mute and the Gazzew U4T. The Semi Mute is ideal for those who crave a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. Despite its name, these switches operate silently and offer a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, resulting in a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile feedback with a bassy "thock" sound profile. This switch offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, ensuring both auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

KTT Semi Mute Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the KTT Semi Mute and the Gazzew U4T switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Semi Mute creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a clearer and more resonant sound experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the contrary, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile attributed to its softness. While both materials provide unique sound characteristics, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate creates a brighter tone compared to the U4T's blend, which offers a mellower and more immersive experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the polycarbonate material used in the Semi Mute continues to deliver the same crisp and resonant sound profile as its top housing counterpart. With a focus on the bottom-out sound and feel, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more pronounced impact when pressing down on the switch. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate bottom housing makes it aesthetically pleasing when integrated with RGB lighting. Conversely, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," prioritizes a softer feel and produces a deeper sound experience when typing. The bottom housing's impact on the overall switch experience is evident, as it accentuates the tactile feedback and sound upon key presses.

In summary, although the KTT Semi Mute and the Gazzew U4T differ in their choice of housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles catered to distinct preferences. The Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing, both top and bottom, delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, ideal for those seeking a bright and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend housing, encompassing both the top and bottom, provides a rich and deep sound that appeals to individuals looking for a mellower and more immersive typing sensation. Regardless of the chosen switch, the impact of the housing materials on the sound when pressing and releasing the keys remains consistent, giving users a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The KTT Semi Mute has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the actuation force of the Gazzew U4T is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the KTT Semi Mute coming in at 58 grams and the Gazzew U4T at 62 grams.

In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the KTT Semi Mute may appeal to individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience. This would be beneficial for those who type for extended periods, such as when using a keyboard at work or during marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T offers a more substantial and pronounced typing feel. This can be preferred by those who desire a stronger push while typing.

If the exact actuation force of the Gazzew U4T is unknown, it may be difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the KTT Semi Mute is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Gazzew U4T is heavier in terms of bottom out force. Therefore, those seeking a lighter typing experience may lean towards the KTT Semi Mute, while individuals looking for a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Gazzew U4T.

Travel distance

The KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance between the top and bottom positions. Neither switch offers a shorter or longer travel distance compared to the other, ensuring similar results for users in terms of the distance they will feel when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Semi Mute switch is best described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The muted characteristic helps minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for those who value a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing sessions, especially during late-night use. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a bassy thock sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The thocky sound produced by the U4T switch is deep, rich, and satisfying, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keypress.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. The buttery sensation implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch offers a uniform typing feel, making it comfortable and gratifying for prolonged typing sessions. It is considered mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The mild qualities of the Semi Mute switch are approachable to most users, as they stand in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch provides a sharp tactile feedback. These switches have a high feedback intensity with a distinct and crisp tactile bump. Each keypress on the U4T switch can be felt prominently, offering a satisfying tactile experience.

In conclusion, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi Mute switch is muted, providing a quieter and softer sound profile, while the U4T switch offers a bassy thock sound profile with a deep and rich sound. The Semi Mute switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke, while the U4T switch delivers a sharp tactile feedback with a distinct and crisp tactile bump. These switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, if a noise-free environment and a gentle typing experience are desired, the KTT Semi Mute switch would be the recommended choice. If a bassy thock sound and an assertive tactile feedback are preferred, the Gazzew U4T switch would be the better option. It's important to note that the sound and feel of both switches may also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Similar results can be achieved by considering these subjective qualities and personal preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. The Semi Mute has a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. It offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Semi Mute provides a buttery and mild typing experience, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers both auditory and tactile satisfaction, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be a great option. With its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the U4Ts give you a bassy 'thock' sound profile and an assertive tactile feedback. The U4T has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a satisfying amount of resistance. It offers a rich and deep sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The U4T's sharp tactile bump is prominent and can be felt distinctly with each and every keypress.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Semi Mute and Gazzew U4T switches depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you prioritize a noise-free and smooth typing experience, the Semi Mute would be an ideal choice. However, if you seek both auditory and tactile satisfaction with a rich sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, the U4T would suit you better. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your needs and preferences for a truly enjoyable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more