Gazzew U4 vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4 and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are delighted to present two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches for your consideration: the Gazzew U4 and the KTT Wine Red. These switches offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Gazzew U4, a tactile switch, is sought after for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing a distinctive typing experience. In addition, the U4 offers an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, further enhancing typing satisfaction. This switch also boasts a whisper-quiet sound profile, thanks to its muted, low-pitched, and sharp characteristics. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch, provides a pillowy light touch, perfect for those who prefer a smooth linear feel while typing. Alongside this comfortable typing experience, the Wine Red switch offers a deep and rich sound profile, characterized by its bassy and low-pitched qualities. Both switches have their unique strengths, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew U4 and the KTT Wine Red switches exhibit notable differences in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which offers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those who desire visually appealing lighting effects.
The bottom housings of both switches also differ significantly. The U4 employs the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its top housing, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile consistent with its softness. Conversely, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This difference in stiffness allows the polycarbonate housing to produce a more clear and resonant sound overall. Similarly to the top housing, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users planning to incorporate RGB lighting in their setup.
It is important to note that when top and bottom housings differ within a switch, their respective qualities are distributed accordingly. The bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, thus affecting the experience when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing exerts more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their divergent housing materials, users can expect comparable results as both the Gazzew U4 and the KTT Wine Red are designed with a focus on delivering an enhanced auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have a medium actuation force, with the U4 requiring 43 grams and the Wine Red requiring 44 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the U4 is heavier at 62 grams compared to the Wine Red's 55 grams, which is medium-light.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Wine Red, as it allows for longer and more comfortable typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who seek a more substantial typing experience may opt for the U4, as its heavier bottom out force offers a stronger push feel. This can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a more tactile and pronounced keystroke.
While the U4 and Wine Red have different actuation and bottom out forces, they both fall within the medium range, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience for most users. Whether one considers the U4's slightly heavier bottom out force or the Wine Red's slightly lighter bottom out force, both switches offer a delightful balance between actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference in their distances. The U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wine Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. While both falls into the range of traditional travel distances, the U4 offers a slightly shallower press compared to the Wine Red. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the U4 with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper press might lean towards the Wine Red's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on an individual's preference for the depth and responsiveness of their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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
The Gazzew U4 tactile switch is highly regarded for its subjective sound qualities. It is described as having a muted sound profile, producing softer and quieter keystrokes compared to regular clacky switches. The U4's sound is low-pitched, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Typing on the U4 switches creates a whisper-quiet experience, allowing for a subtle and undisturbed typing environment. The Wine Red linear switch, on the other hand, is described as having a deep and rich sound profile. It is bassy, offering a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches share the characteristic of being low-pitched, which enhances their sound profiles. While the U4 offers a muted and low-pitched sound, providing a softer and quieter experience, the Wine Red exhibits a deeper and richer sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump. This sharp feedback intensity provides a distinct and prominent sensation with every keypress. The U4 switch offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, resulting in a high feedback intensity. As for the Wine Red linear switch, there is no specific information available on its tactile qualities. Based on the provided information, it can be inferred that the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light typing feel, although the exact details of its tactile feedback are unknown.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The U4 switch is praised for its sharp tactile bump and a sound profile that is both muted and low-pitched, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is described as having a pillowy light typing feel and a deep, rich, and bassy sound profile, with a similar low-pitched characteristic. It is important to note that individual preferences, as well as other factors like the keyboard and keycaps, can influence the overall experience with these switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and want a switch that provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, the U4 switches would be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you value a muted and low-pitched sound profile, the U4 switches offer a quieter and more bass-heavy tone compared to other switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a pillowy light typing feel, along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red switches would be a great fit for you. These switches provide a medium-light bottom out force and offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch will depend on your individual preferences for tactile feedback, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider the characteristics and features described for each switch and choose the one that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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