TTC Silent Red vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a smooth and silent typing experience, the TTC Silent Red and Gazzew U4Tx switches are worth considering. The Silent Red switch is best known for its buttery and mild feel, delivering a consistent and seamless typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who value a noise-free environment, making it perfect for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch combines the best of both worlds, providing a refined sound profile that offers a deep resonant "thock" when bottoming out, paired with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Its sharp and satisfying tactile bump ensures a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision about which switch is truly the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 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 TTC Silent Red and Gazzew U4Tx differ in their housing materials, specifically in the top housing. The Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep sound profile that is achieved through its softness.
In terms of aesthetics, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it an ideal choice if RGB lighting is to be used. This translucency allows for the illumination of the switch and adds a visually appealing aspect. Meanwhile, the U4Tx's proprietary blend top housing does not offer this specific aesthetic feature.
Moving onto the bottom housing, both switches differ once again. The Silent Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. It seems that both switches achieve a similar effect in terms of sound characteristics through their choice of bottom housing material.
When considering the overall typing experience, the combination of different housing materials in the switches creates a distinct outcome. The bottom housing of each switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the experience of pressing down on the key. On the contrary, the top housing predominantly influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials used in the top and bottom housing may differ between the Silent Red and U4Tx, they both offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, ultimately catering to the preferences of individual users.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, one can observe several differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Red exhibits an actuation force of 45 grams, while the U4Tx's actuation force is currently unavailable. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Red requires 63.5 grams, while the U4Tx requires 65 grams. Thus, both switches fall into the category of medium-heavy switches. Although the actual actuation force of the U4Tx is unknown, it can be assumed that it is similar to the Silent Red since they both fall under the same designation of medium-heavy. Weight is an essential consideration for keyboard users, as a lighter switch enables longer typing sessions, ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, some individuals prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, those seeking a stronger push feel should opt for options with heavier forces. Ultimately, the Silent Red is lighter in terms of bottom out force (63.5 grams) compared to the U4Tx (65 grams), which makes it a slightly preferable choice for those who desire a slightly lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it can be noted that the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, opting for the shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm with the Gazzew U4Tx switch would be a suitable choice. However, it is important to consider personal preference since some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, the TTC Silent Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm would be a better fit for you. In summary, while the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a shorter travel distance, both switches can provide similar results depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Red switch is best known for its muted profile. These switches are designed to minimize noise, making them a perfect choice for office or shared living spaces. The U4Tx switch, on the other hand, offers a cleaner and refined sound profile. It combines the deep and resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. While the Silent Red produces a softer and quieter sound, the U4Tx provides a deeper and richer sound experience with a lower frequency range resembling bass tones. 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.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a smooth and consistent typing experience from top to bottom. It can be described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke. These switches provide an effortless and uniform typing sensation. They are also considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Silent Red switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch provides a sharp and intense tactile bump with each keypress. This sharp feedback is prominent and can be distinctly felt. While the Silent Red focuses on a seamless and effortless typing experience, the U4Tx prioritizes a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red is known for its muted sound profile and smooth, consistent feel, providing a comfortable and less intrusive typing experience. The U4Tx, on the other hand, combines a refined sound profile with a sharp and intense tactile bump, offering a more luxurious and satisfying typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to achieve similar results or opt for the unique qualities they offer.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience for an office or shared living space, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the ideal choice. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, this switch offers a buttery and polished feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It produces a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you desire a luxurious typing experience with a refined sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, this switch combines the deep and resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. Each press delivers a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring an acoustically pleasing experience. It also offers a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range and adding depth to your typing. Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Silent Red and Gazzew U4Tx will depend on your preference for a linear or tactile switch, as well as the specific feel and sound experience you desire.
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