TTC Silent Red vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

If you're in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red is an excellent choice. These linear switches are perfect for environments like an office or shared living space where you don't want to disturb those around you with the sound of typing. Not only do they have a muted sound profile, but they also provide a consistent and seamless feel from top to bottom. Additionally, the padded bottom-out feel of the Silent Reds adds an extra level of comfort to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback while still enjoying a satisfying auditory experience, the Gazzew U4T is worth considering. These tactile switches offer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. With their bassy "thock" sound profile, the U4Ts are sure to please those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. 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

TTC Silent Red Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Gazzew U4T switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which produces a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the Silent Red has a translucent appearance suitable for RGB lighting, the U4T offers a unique plastic blend for a distinctive sound experience.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Silent Red utilizes a nylon material known for its classic switch housing qualities. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the U4T features its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, similar to the top housing. This boba plastic contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience.

The difference in the top and bottom housings affects how the sound qualities are distributed throughout the switch. When pressing down on the Silent Red, the impact and bottom-out sound can primarily be attributed to the qualities of the nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will predominantly be influenced by the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, with the U4T, the properties of the Gazzew blend bottom housing contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Gazzew blend top housing influences the sound when keypresses are released. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles enabled by their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the U4T's actuation force is unavailable. Despite this, both switches provide a medium keystroke experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Red requires 63.5 grams of force, making it slightly heavier than the U4T, which requires 62 grams. While the Silent Red offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, both switches still fall within the medium range. For individuals preferring a lighter typing experience, the U4T may be the better option, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. However, for users seeking a more substantial and tactile typing feel, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Silent Red would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, we can see that the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the U4T has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall in the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Silent Red with its 3.7 mm travel distance would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when pressing down on a key, the Gazzew U4T with its 4 mm travel distance would be the preferable option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Silent Red and Gazzew U4T switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red switch produces a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it a great choice for office or shared living space use. In contrast, the U4T switch offers a bassy "thock" sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The U4T's sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Silent Red switch offers a smooth and consistent typing experience from top to bottom. It is often described as buttery, indicating a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. The switch provides an effortless and uniform typing sensation, making it pleasing to use for extended periods. In contrast, the U4T switch provides a sharp tactile feedback with a prominent and distinct tactile bump. This high feedback intensity gives each keypress a strong and crisp tactile sensation.

In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and Gazzew U4T switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red switch provides a soft and muted sound profile, making it suitable for quieter environments. Its feel is smooth, buttery, and polished, offering a comfortable and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the U4T switch produces a bassy "thock" sound profile and offers a sharp tactile feedback with a distinct bump. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a quieter and more buttery typing experience, the Silent Red switch is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a bassier sound, the U4T switch will provide auditory and tactile satisfaction.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. They offer a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, and there's a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines a deep "thock" sound profile with assertive tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would suit you best. These switches provide auditory and tactile satisfaction with their bassy thock sound and strong, crisp tactile bump. Ultimately, your choice would depend on your preferences for sound and feel, with the Silent Red offering a more muted and buttery typing experience, and the U4T providing a bassy thock sound and sharp tactile feedback.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more