KTT Strawberry vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch and not sure which one to choose? Let's compare and contrast two popular options, the KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4T, to help you make an informed decision. The KTT Strawberry is best known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With its attractive pink and clear housings, this linear switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is famous for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. The bassy 'thock' sound profile, combined with an assertive tactile feedback, provides auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. While the Strawberry falls under a category of low-pitched and buttery switches, the U4T is classified as bassy, thocky, and sharp. These general pointers should give you an idea of what to expect from each switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Strawberry Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$4.91 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials, with the Strawberry featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend. The polycarbonate material in the Strawberry creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when pressing down on a key. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better illumination. On the other hand, the U4T's top housing, made from the Gazzew blend, delivers a rich and deep sound profile. This is due to the softness of the material, which provides a distinct tactile experience when pressing down on the switch.

While the housing materials of the Strawberry and U4T differ, they both offer unique benefits to the keyboard experience. The polycarbonate top housings of the Strawberry and the Gazzew blend top housings of the U4T contribute to the sound profile when you let go of a key. Both materials have properties that enhance the sound quality, creating a satisfying auditory experience. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the polycarbonate material in the Strawberry emphasizes the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Gazzew blend in the U4T provides a different tactile experience. Consequently, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.

In terms of aesthetics, the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing is more likely to be clear due to its translucency, making it an excellent choice for those who want to showcase RGB lighting effects on their keyboard. Conversely, the U4T's Gazzew blend housing does not offer the same level of transparency. However, it makes up for this with a unique rich and deep sound profile attributed to its softness. Despite their differences, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different aspects of the keyboarding experience, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, a few notable differences arise. The Strawberry switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, both of which fall into the medium range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the U4T switch is unspecified, making it difficult to directly compare. However, both switches share a common bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a similar level of resistance when fully pressed.

In considering weight, certain preferences come into play. Those who desire a lighter switch often appreciate the ability to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue, which is especially beneficial for work scenarios or lengthy gaming sessions. Conversely, some individuals favor a more pronounced push feel in order to enhance the typing experience, thereby favoring switches with heavier forces.

Although the actuation force of the U4T switch remains unknown, it is worth noting that the Strawberry switch possesses a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This suggests that individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Strawberry switch to be more suitable. However, for those desiring a stronger push, the bottom out force of both switches being 62 grams ensures a similar level of resistance and, thus, a comparable typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance traveled between the top and bottom of the switch. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance when using either of these switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch produces a bassy sound profile with a thocky characteristic. This means that the U4T switch delivers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". The Strawberry switch and the U4T switch offer different sound profiles, with the Strawberry switch being low-pitched and the U4T switch being both bassy and thocky.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Strawberry switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It provides a fluid travel and a refined finish, resulting in a sleek and seamless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It features a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke. The U4T switch offers a higher feedback intensity compared to the Strawberry switch.

Taking into consideration the available information, the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Strawberry switch provides a low-pitched sound with a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound with a sharp tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique characteristics and can provide auditory and tactile satisfaction to users. However, it's important to note that the overall sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps chosen. By considering these factors and personal preferences, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.

Conclusion

In closing, to sum up, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch. The Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. It offers a low-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, silky, buttery, or polished typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T switch embodies a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. It provides a bassy, thocky sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience and a low-pitched sound, the Strawberry switch would be a great choice. However, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a strong and crisp tactile bump and a bassy, thocky sound, the U4T switch would be a better fit for you. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

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Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more