TTC Silent Brown vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer a satisfying tactile experience are the TTC Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Silent Brown switches are well-known for their comfortable typing experience, featuring a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. What sets them apart is their muted sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches combine the best of both worlds. They offer a refined sound profile, with a deep and resonant thock when bottoming out, while remaining whisper-quiet when topping out. These switches provide a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. Categorized as bassy, muted, and sharp, the U4Tx switches offer a distinct acoustic pleasure. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and find the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend produces a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. The Gazzew blend provides a softer and more rounded sound compared to the sharpness of polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent Brown incorporates a nylon material. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the U4Tx employs the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing as well. Similar to the top housing, this choice of plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep sound. The softness of the Gazzew blend is key in delivering a satisfying typing experience with a prominent bottom-out sound.
While the housings of the Silent Brown and the U4Tx differ in material, it is important to note that they both aim to enhance the sound profile of the switches. The Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing work together to create a clear and resonant sound with a deeper quality. On the other hand, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top and bottom housings both contribute to a rich and deep sound profile characterized by softness. Despite the contrasting materials, both switches offer distinct sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are a few differences to note. The Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the exact actuation force of the U4Tx is unknown. Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. The lighter actuation force of the Silent Brown may be preferred by those who need to type for extended periods of time, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. This lighter force allows for a smoother and more effortless keystroke.
On the other hand, some users may prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. The U4Tx, with its unknown actuation force, could potentially offer a stronger push feel compared to the Silent Brown. This can provide a sense of precision and control, particularly for those who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches have a similar medium-heavy weight at 65 grams. This means that regardless of the actuation force, both switches provide a consistent level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down. For users who appreciate a satisfying "thock" sound or a more pronounced tactile feedback when bottoming out, these switches would offer similar results.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Silent Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx will depend on individual preferences. Those seeking a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Silent Brown, while those desiring a potentially heavier and more pronounced push feel might opt for the U4Tx. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, providing a comparable typing experience in that regard.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is 3.8 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. If you are a gamer looking for a faster response time, you may prefer the U4Tx with its slightly shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key, the Silent Brown with its longer travel distance may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a greater sense of depth and satisfaction in typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
The Gazzew U4Tx 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
The Silent Brown tactile switches are best known for offering a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. These switches have a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. With a buttery, mild, and polished feel, the Silent Brown switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. This is achieved through reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that combines a comfortable feel with a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown switches are a great choice.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches marry the best of both worlds in terms of sound and feel. These switches are designed for a cleaner, refined sound profile. When typing on them, you can expect a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, accompanied by a whisper-quiet sound when topping out. This combination creates a bassy and muted sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound experience during key presses. In terms of feel, the U4Tx switches provide a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity, allowing you to distinctly feel the tactile bump with each keypress. While the exact feel descriptors for the U4Tx switches are not provided, they are likely to offer a tactile experience that is sharp and crisp.
In conclusion, the Silent Brown and Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Brown switches provide a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. These switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches offer a refined and bassy sound profile, accompanied by a sharp and crisp tactile bump. Each press on the U4Tx switches produces a deep "thock" sound when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet sound when topping out. Both switches aim to provide a luxurious typing experience, with the Silent Brown offering a softer sound and a smoother feel, while the U4Tx offering a deeper sound and a sharper tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to achieve similar typing results with different subjective experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, if you prefer a switch that provides a smooth and uniform typing sensation, the Silent Brown is described as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a sleek and effortless typing experience.
On the other hand, if you want to experience the best of both worlds, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch might be the perfect fit. These switches are designed to provide a cleaner and refined sound profile. They offer a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. The U4Tx switches also provide a satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. If you enjoy a sharp and distinct tactile bump with each keypress, the U4Tx is described as sharp.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Brown and Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider the level of resistance, sound profile, and tactile feedback that you desire in a switch. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and find the switch that best suits your needs and typing style.
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