TTC Silent Brown vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4T, both tactile switches. The Silent Brown switches are best known for their comfortable typing experience, with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets them apart is their muted sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience for those who prefer a more serene environment. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts excel in providing an amalgamation of thockiness and sharp tactility. Each keystroke produces a bassy 'thock' sound, paired with an assertive tactile feedback that ensures every press is met with auditory and tactile satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personalized typing experience.

By the numbers

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4T switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is relatively stiffer, leading to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Although both materials play a role in the overall sound profile of the switch, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown focuses more on the sound when releasing a key, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T emphasizes the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Silent Brown incorporates a nylon material, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gazzew U4T employs its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," to deliver a rich and deep sound profile through its softness. Both switch types benefit from the characteristics of their respective bottom housing materials, with the Silent Brown allowing for a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon, while the U4T provides a rich and deep sound via its soft Gazzew blend.

Although there are differences between the top and bottom housing materials of the Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4T, they ultimately contribute to similar results. Both switches prioritize sound profiles, albeit with varying emphasis. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown enhances the sound when releasing a key, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T focuses more on the impact and feel when pressing down. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown and the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T offer deeper and fuller sound profiles in their respective switches. Whether it's the sharp and clear sound of the Silent Brown or the rich and deep sound delivered by the U4T, both housing materials play a crucial role in enhancing the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Silent Brown requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the U4T's actuation force is unknown. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Silent Brown measuring at 63.5 grams and the U4T at 62 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Brown may be more suitable as its actuation force is lighter compared to the unknown force of the U4T. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, both switches provide a medium-heavy bottom out force. While the U4T's actuation force is unknown, the bottom out force is slightly lighter than the Silent Brown, suggesting that it may offer a slightly lighter typing feel.

In summary, the TTC Silent Brown and Gazzew U4T tactile switches have different actuation forces, with the Silent Brown being lighter. However, their bottom out forces are comparable, with the U4T being slightly lighter. Ultimately, individuals with a preference for lighter switches may lean towards the Silent Brown, while those seeking a slightly heavier feel could consider the U4T.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there is a slight difference in their measurements. The Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the U4T has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of what is considered standard for a switch's travel distance. However, the U4T has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Brown. This means that when pressing down on a key with the U4T switch, you will feel a slightly greater depth compared to the Silent Brown.

The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. In this case, the Silent Brown with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. For them, the U4T with its longer travel distance would be a better fit. It is important to consider how the travel distance of a switch will impact your typing experience and choose accordingly. Ultimately, both of these switches offer reliable tactile feedback, but the slight difference in travel distance may provide slightly different sensations when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Brown switch is best described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch has a bassy and thocky sound profile. Bassy switches offer a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, a thocky switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. However, keep in mind that the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. "Buttery" implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Being mild, these switches offer a more gentle typing experience in comparison to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as their qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Moreover, the polished finish of the TTC Silent Brown switch contributes to a sleek typing experience by reducing friction and creating smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. The strong and crisp tactile bump of this switch is distinct and can be felt with every keypress.

In conclusion, the TTC Silent Brown and Gazzew U4T switches offer different subjective qualities. The Silent Brown switch has a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. Its feel is characterized by a buttery, mild, and polished sensation, offering smooth and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch has a bassy and thocky sound profile, producing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Its tactile feedback is sharp and intense, providing a distinct and noticeable tactile bump. If you prefer a quieter and more buttery typing experience, the Silent Brown switch may be the choice for you. However, if you appreciate a deeper sound profile and sharper tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T switch would be a suitable option.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a keyboard switch that embodies a fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing auditory and tactile satisfaction with a bassy 'thock' sound profile, then the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what specific qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switches, whether it be the sound, feel, or overall typing experience. So take into account these factors and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and needs.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more