KTT Semi Mute vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the KTT Semi Mute and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Semi Mute, a linear switch, is perfect for those who prioritize a noise-free environment and uninterrupted typing, especially during late-night sessions. With its advanced dampening technology and linear actuation, it delivers a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx, a tactile switch, offers the best of both worlds. Its ingenious design combines the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth during topping out, resulting in a refined sound profile. Each press of the U4Tx provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your specific needs.

By the numbers

KTT Semi Mute Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the Gazzew U4Tx provide contrasting sound profiles due to their different properties. The polycarbonate top housing of the Semi Mute creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer plastic offers a clear and resonant sound, which is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light transmission. In contrast, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing known as "boba plastic." This soft plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile, providing a distinct auditory experience.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the KTT Semi Mute and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their impact on sound and feel. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute, being stiffer, contributes to a more defined bottom-out sound and feel. This stiffness allows for a crisper and more precise keystroke, providing a satisfying tactile experience. Conversely, the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4Tx, often referred to as "boba plastic," brings a softer and more cushioned bottom-out sound and feel. The softness of this material creates a smoother and quieter keystroke, offering a gentler typing experience.

While the housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their properties and resulting sound profiles, they both excel in enhancing the overall typing experience. The Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing, whether top or bottom, contributes to a clearer, sharper, and crisper sound, providing a more vibrant auditory feedback. Moreover, the Gazzew U4Tx, with its proprietary Gazzew blend housing, ensures a deep and immersive sound, emphasizing the softness and cushioning of the typing experience. Whether one seeks a precise and resonant keystroke or a smoother, more subdued feel, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the typing experience, making them well-suited for different preferences and needs.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Semi Mute switch is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch's actuation force is not available, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, classified as medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Semi Mute switch would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or during extended gaming sessions.

In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch caters to users who desire a more substantial push feel during typing. With its medium-heavy bottom out force, it provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance the overall typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback.

Although the actuation force of the U4Tx switch is not specified, it is important to note that the actuation force primarily determines the initial trigger of a keystroke, while the bottom out force represents the force required to fully press the key. While we don't have the exact actuation force for the U4Tx switch, it is reasonable to assume that it would be similar to the Semi Mute switch, given that both switches fall within the medium range for their respective bottom out forces.

Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on individual preferences. Those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended periods might opt for the KTT Semi Mute switch, while individuals desiring a more substantial and satisfying keystroke may prefer the Gazzew U4Tx switch with its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

The KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches provide a satisfying key press, the Semi Mute offers a slightly deeper travel experience compared to the U4Tx. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. However, if you prioritize faster response times, the U4Tx may be a better option with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Semi Mute switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. These switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for those who prioritize a noise-free environment, particularly during late-night sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone. The U4T switch provides a satisfying "thock" sound when bottoming out, paired with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Both switches incorporate muted properties, ensuring a more subdued typing experience. However, it's worth noting that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a buttery keystroke experience. This implies a smooth, fluid, and effortless typing feel, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Furthermore, the Semi Mute switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. With each keypress, users can expect a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt. This tactile response adds to the luxurious typing experience offered by the U4Tx switch.

To summarize, the KTT Semi Mute switch and the Gazzew U4Tx switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi Mute switch provides a muted and neutral sound, minimizing noise and providing a comfortable typing experience. It offers a buttery and mild feel, ensuring a smooth and gentle keystroke experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch offers a bassy and muted sound profile, combining a deep, resonant "thock" with whisper-quiet topping out sounds. It offers a sharp tactile feedback, providing users with a distinct and satisfying tactile bump. Depending on an individual's preferences and the desired typing experience, both switches can provide a luxurious and gratifying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, then the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is the right choice for you. With its completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. The Semi Mute offers a neutral sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, it provides a buttery and mild typing experience, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke.

On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner, refined sound profile that combines the deep, resonant "thock" of a tactile bump with whisper-quiet topping out, then the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the one for you. These switches offer a luxurious typing experience with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump. The U4Tx switches have a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Similar to the Semi Mute, the U4Tx also provides a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Semi Mute and the Gazzew U4Tx will depend on your specific preferences. If you prioritize a noise-free environment and a smooth typing experience, go for the Semi Mute. On the other hand, if you prefer a refined sound profile with a sharp tactile bump, choose the U4Tx. Both switches offer medium to medium-heavy bottom out forces, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user. In the end, it's all about selecting the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more