TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Gazzew U4. Both switches offer a tactile experience, providing an added level of satisfaction during typing. The Silent Bluish Whites are known for their "medium tactile" feel, striking a balance between resistance and comfort. Additionally, these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, accompanied by a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. This combination of style and subtlety creates a whisper-quiet sound profile during use. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Gazzew U4 switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Silent Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, commonly referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile. This is achieved through the softness of the plastic blend. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing produces a brighter and more pronounced sound, while the U4's Gazzew blend top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Silent Bluish White incorporates a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both bottom housings create a mellowed sound, but the Silent Bluish White's nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly deeper sound due to its sound absorption capabilities.
Overall, while there are some similarities in the sound profiles created by the top and bottom housings of the TTC Silent Bluish White and Gazzew U4 switches, they also offer some distinct differences. The Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the U4's Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound. In terms of the bottom housings, both the Silent Bluish White's nylon and the U4's Gazzew blend contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, with the nylon potentially offering a slightly more rounded sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials will depend on the particular sound preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Silent Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, whereas the U4 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Silent Bluish White requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, while the U4 requires a heavier 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White would be a suitable choice, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and faster keystrokes. This can be advantageous for users who engage in prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, for individuals who desire a more substantial and pronounced typing experience, the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the U4 can provide the desired tactile feedback.
It is worth mentioning that both switches offer tactile feedback, which means that users will feel a gentle bump when a keystroke is activated. Therefore, regardless of the differences in actuation and bottom out forces, the overall typing experience between the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Gazzew U4 would be similar in terms of the tactile feedback provided. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for key weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference. The Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the discrepancy is minimal, it is worth noting that the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, in today's world, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, if one prefers a more responsive experience, opting for the TTC Silent Bluish White with its shorter travel distance would be ideal. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $5.15.
The Gazzew U4 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
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Gazzew U4 are described as muted, meaning they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes them suitable for use in office or shared living spaces where noise can be a concern. Additionally, the U4 switches have a low-pitched sound profile, adding a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Silent Bluish White switches are often described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This results in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. These switches also have a mild nature, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Silent Bluish Whites can be classified as stepped switches, offering a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel feel. The subtle resistance and lack of resonance in their sound signature make them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the U4 switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity that can be felt distinctly with each keypress.
Taking into account all the available information, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer a medium tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance. They are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. The sound produced by these switches is described as muted. In terms of feel, they provide a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, with a subtle resistance and a stepped switch design. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches also offer a sharp tactile bump and a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. They have a whisper quiet sound profile and are suitable for a variety of typing preferences.
While there are certain differences in sound and feel between the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Gazzew U4 switches, both can provide a satisfying typing experience that meets the needs of users looking for a quieter mechanical keyboard. Regardless of which switch is chosen, similar results in terms of noise reduction and typing comfort can be achieved.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and quiet tactile switch, the TTC Silent Bluish White would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a precise and comfortable typing experience. Despite their medium tactility, they are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. The Silent Bluish Whites have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, they provide a buttery and mild typing feel, with a smooth and uniform keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you want a more intense tactile feedback and a plush bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 would be an excellent option. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. They also have a whisper quiet sound profile, with a low-pitched and mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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