KTT Strawberry vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Strawberry is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With its attractive pink and clear housings, it offers a low-pitched, frictionless experience that many users find silky and buttery. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is a tactile switch that marries the best of both worlds. It boasts a refined sound profile, with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out. Each press provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. While the Strawberry focuses on smoothness, the U4Tx emphasizes a satisfying tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4Tx, specifically their top housings, differ in terms of the sound profile they produce. The polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the proprietary Gazzew blend top housing of the U4Tx, often referred to as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile. This is attributed to its softness. Therefore, when it comes to sound, the Strawberry will have a sharper and crisper tone, while the U4Tx will offer a deeper and more resonant sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches exhibit differences in the sound they produce. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry contributes to the overall sound profile, resulting in a sharper and crisper tone. This is consistent with its effect on the top housing. Conversely, the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4Tx, known for its softness, imparts a rich and deep sound profile to the switch. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel of the U4Tx will be notably different from that of the Strawberry, offering a deeper and more resonant experience.
Although the housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4Tx differ, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate used in the top and bottom housings of the Strawberry creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Similarly, the proprietary Gazzew blend employed in the top and bottom housings of the U4Tx produces a rich and deep sound. While each switch may have its own unique tonal qualities, the use of high-quality housing materials ensures that both switches deliver exceptional sound profiles. Thus, both the KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4Tx guarantee satisfying auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, one key difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of the Strawberry switch is 43 grams, while for the U4Tx switch the exact force is unavailable. Both switches fall under the medium category when it comes to actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Strawberry switch is 62 grams, making it lighter than the U4Tx switch which has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Weight can be an important factor to consider for various reasons. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Strawberry switch with its actuation and bottom out forces would be ideal. This switch allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing too much fatigue. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push, the U4Tx switch with its slightly higher bottom out force could be a better choice. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different levels of resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that the U4Tx has a shorter travel distance at 3.6 mm, while the Strawberry has a longer travel distance at 4.0 mm. This slight difference may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the overall typing experience. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the U4Tx is more shallow, which might be preferred by gamers or those seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you value a more responsive typing experience, the U4Tx with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable option. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, the Strawberry with its longer travel distance would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50.
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 KTT Strawberry offers a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches have a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. Additionally, the U4Tx switches are also described as muted, offering a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Strawberry switches are known for being frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Strawberry switches provide a fluid, seamless, and uniform typing sensation, thanks to the smooth and refined finish of the switch and possible factory lubing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are described as sharp tactile switches. This means they have a high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress.
Taking into account the available information, the KTT Strawberry switches offer a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making them a great choice for those looking for a frictionless and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a cleaner, refined sound profile with a deep "thock" on bottoming out and quiet topping out. They also offer a sharp tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience. While the two switches differ in sound and feel, both deliver a high-quality typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and priorities, you can choose either switch and achieve satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a medium touch that is not too light or too heavy. The Strawberry switch is also known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, ensuring an effortless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, it offers a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a cleaner and refined sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx is the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a slightly heavier touch compared to the Strawberry switch. The U4Tx switch provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, delivering a luxurious typing experience. Its deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, coupled with the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out, creates an acoustically pleasing sound. The U4Tx is described as sharp, which means you will feel a distinct and strong tactile feedback with each keypress.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider the smoothness and reliability of the Strawberry switch, as well as its low-pitched sound profile, if you prioritize a frictionless and mellow typing experience. Alternatively, opt for the U4Tx switch if you desire a tactile switch with a refined sound profile and a distinct tactile bump. Both switches offer unique features that will enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns with your individual preferences.
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