Gazzew U4 vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew U4 and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences for typists to consider. The U4 is favored for its silent tactile switches that provide a sharp and exhilarating bump while also offering a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch by KTT boasts a smooth and creamy feel thanks to the ingenious use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, it stands out with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew U4 and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Gazzew U4's proprietary blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4's blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness, clackiness, and exceptional durability.
While the top housings of the Gazzew U4 and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique sound profiles, the bottom housings also play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The Gazzew U4's bottom housing contributes to the rich and deep sound profile of the switch, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing enhances the smoothness, clackiness, and durability of the switch. This split between the qualities each housing material brings allows for a comprehensive typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when a key is released.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4 and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Gazzew U4's blend top and bottom housings offer a rich and deep sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, complemented by the smoothness and durability of the POK bottom housing. Whether similar or contrasting, the qualities of each housing material work together to create a satisfying typing experience for users seeking different sound profiles and feels in their switches.
Weight
The Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the U4 requires 62 grams, which is heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams. This means that the U4 switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter touch that may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The difference between the two distances is minimal, so in practical terms, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would likely come down to personal preference and how you like the key to feel when pressed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
The Gazzew U4 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 Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its muted and low-pitched profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, giving typists a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the subdued sound of the U4 or the more distinctive sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Moving on to feel, the U4 switch is celebrated for its sharp tactile bump, offering a high feedback intensity with each keypress. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that feels effortless and uniform. Whether you prefer a sharp tactile bump or a silky keystroke, both switches offer distinct tactile experiences for typists to choose from.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the U4 offers a muted and low-pitched sound with a sharp tactile bump, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched and clacky sound with a buttery and creamy keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump with a plush bottom-out sensation, the U4 switch is the way to go. This switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, as well as a sharp and intense tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a remarkably smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the better choice. This switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience that feels seamless and effortless. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.
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