TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Gazzew U4T. The Silent Bluish White switch offers a medium tactile feel, providing a precise and comfortable typing experience with just the right amount of resistance. What sets this switch apart is its quietness, making it ideal for use in shared living spaces or office environments. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T boasts a unique fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke delivers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Gazzew U4T differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Silent Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile. This is attributed to the softness of the blend, resulting in a more rounded and profound sound. While they differ in sound characteristics, both materials are suitable for use with RGB lighting due to their translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Silent Bluish White employs a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, or "boba plastic," which also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both materials contribute to enhancing the overall sound of the switches, albeit with slightly different qualities.
It is important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the TTC Silent Bluish White and the Gazzew U4T provide satisfying sound profiles, each with its unique qualities.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams, providing a light touch required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force for the Gazzew U4T remains unknown, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Silent Bluish White requires 50 grams of force to fully press the key down, which is relatively light. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T has a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a slightly heavier feel.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer a lighter touch as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This lighter actuation force of the Silent Bluish White would be suitable for those who require extended periods of typing, such as for work or prolonged gaming sessions. Conversely, there are users who seek a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel. For these individuals, the Gazzew U4T with its heavier bottom out force would be a more suitable choice.
To summarize, while the actuation force remains unknown for the Gazzew U4T, the Silent Bluish White tactile switch exhibits lighter actuation and bottom out forces. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and the ability to type for extended periods. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, catering to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have notable differences in their travel distances. The Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4T has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Bluish White falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the U4T offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the shorter travel distance providing quicker feedback and the longer travel distance offering a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
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 U4T 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
In terms of sound, the Silent Bluish White tactile switch is best described as muted. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that each keypress delivers a deep, rich, and satisfying sound resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. The U4T switch also has a lower frequency range, providing a depth and richness similar to bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Silent Bluish White offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic means that it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The stepped aspect of the switch creates a mild tactility where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The subtle resistance of the Silent Bluish White switch maintains a light typing feel while still providing a gentle level of resistance. Lastly, the polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other side, the Gazzew U4T switch is described as sharp. It has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each and every keypress, providing a high feedback intensity.
In conclusion, the Silent Bluish White and Gazzew U4T switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Bluish White provides a muted sound profile that is softer and quieter, making it suitable for office or shared living space use. Its feel is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T offers a bassy thock sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory satisfaction. Its feel is characterized by a sharp tactile bump, delivering a strong and crisp feedback with each keypress. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. If you're seeking a similar sound profile to the Silent Bluish White but with a sharper tactility, the Gazzew U4T can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a precise and comfortable typing experience, especially for office or shared living space use, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, making typing a breeze. Additionally, their muted sound profile ensures minimal noise disturbance. On the other hand, if you prioritize auditory and tactile satisfaction, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is your best bet. With its bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke will provide a delightful sensory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences and priorities.
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