TTC Silent Brown vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The mechanical keyboard market is filled with a wide array of switches, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. Among these choices are the TTC Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4, both being tactile switches. The Silent Brown is renowned for offering a comfortable typing experience with its light-medium level of resistance and satisfying rounded tactile bump. Not only that, but these switches are also praised for their muted sound profile, making them perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches provide a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, delivering a sense of excitement with every keystroke. Additionally, users can enjoy a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation that adds a touch of luxury to their typing experience. Furthermore, the U4 switches excel in terms of generating a whisper-quiet sound profile, allowing for a subtle and unobtrusive typing session. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 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 of the TTC Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This softer material contributes to a warmer and more rounded sound experience. While both materials have distinctive sound profiles, enthusiasts seeking a sharper and more resonant sound may prefer the Silent Brown, while those longing for a deeper and mellower sound may opt for the Gazzew U4.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Silent Brown's nylon material provides a classic switch experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Similarly, the Gazzew U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," which enhances the switch's richness and depth of sound. Being made of soft plastic, the U4's bottom housing contributes to a more pronounced and resonant typing experience. Both nylon and the Gazzew blend excel at creating a deeper sound profile, but nylon's absorption properties may make the Silent Brown more suitable for those desiring a quieter typing experience, while the U4's Gazzew blend accommodates those seeking a more intense and satisfying sound.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, it is essential to consider the different roles played by the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a switch, while the top housing predominantly affects the sound produced upon releasing a key. Therefore, the unique characteristics of the housing materials will be experienced through these specific interactions. Although the Silent Brown may have a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Gazzew U4 has a "boba plastic" blend for both top and bottom housings, enthusiasts can still achieve similar results in terms of sound profiles. However, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding the sharpness, deepness, and overall characteristic of the desired keyboard sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Silent Brown is slightly heavier as it has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the U4 has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly lighter and falling into the medium category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the U4 may be a better choice as it offers a slightly lower actuation force. This lighter force requirement allows for longer typing sessions, which is ideal for individuals who use their keyboard for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force, which could be preferred by those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.
When it comes to bottoming out, both switches provide similar results. While the exact force required for bottoming out is unknown for the Silent Brown, it is expected to be around 63.5 grams, which is comparable to the 62 grams required for the U4. Therefore, users can expect a similar level of resistance when pressing the switches all the way down, regardless of which one they choose.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch will come down to personal preference. If lighter typing and longer sessions are desired, the U4 may be the better option. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Silent Brown could be the preferred choice.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, either of these switches would provide a similar experience. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel, the Silent Brown switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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 Brown and the Gazzew U4 switches are considered muted. This means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, the U4 switches have the additional descriptor of being low-pitched, which gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be affected by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Silent Brown switches are described as buttery, mild, and polished. The buttery descriptor suggests a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Being mild, these switches offer a gentle typing experience, falling within a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. The polished description indicates that Silent Brown switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches are described as sharp. This means they have a high feedback intensity, and the strong and crisp tactile bump can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Additionally, the U4 switches provide an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding an extra layer of comfort to the typing experience.
Overall, both the Silent Brown and U4 switches offer a comfortable typing experience with tactile feedback. While the Silent Brown switches have a rounded tactile bump and a gentle feel, the U4 switches feature a sharper tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation. In terms of sound, both switches are considered muted, but the U4 switches have a low-pitched tone. Depending on personal preference, either switch can deliver satisfying results, providing a quiet and tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a comfortable and rounded tactile bump with a light-medium level of resistance, along with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches provide a satisfying typing experience and minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump with an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, along with a whisper quiet sound profile that is both muted and low-pitched, then the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be the perfect fit for you.
Ultimately, your decision between the TTC Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4 switches will come down to your personal preference for the level of resistance, the type of tactile feedback, and the sound profile you desire. Consider your typing style, the environment you'll be using the keyboard in, and your overall preference for the typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing pleasure, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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