Gazzew U4 vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew U4 and the TTC Yunhai present two distinct yet appealing options. The U4 is celebrated for its satisfying tactile feedback, featuring a sharp bump that enhances each keystroke while providing a plush bottom-out sensation that's both comfortable and quiet. This makes the U4 an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a clearly defined tactile experience without distracting noise. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches cater to those who seek a smoother and more fluid typing experience. With their light actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile, the Yunhai switches offer an effortless keystroke that appeals to users who prefer a more linear feel. While both switches have their unique merits—whether you prioritize tactile feedback or effortless typing—these qualities can influence your overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew U4 Tactile

TTC Yunhai Linear

$6.50 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew U4 and the TTC Yunhai are both equipped with switch housings crafted from materials that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics. The U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housings. This material is designed to be softer, enhancing the depth and richness of the sound profile produced during typing. In contrast, the Yunhai employs traditional nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being another soft plastic, naturally absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives, leading to a similarly deep and rounded auditory experience. While the housings are made from different materials, both switches leverage the properties of softer plastics to achieve a full sound profile, especially as it relates to the tactile experience and acoustic feedback when typing.

Despite the variations in their housing materials, the Gazzew U4 and TTC Yunhai exhibit notable similarities in terms of their acoustic performance. Both the Gazzew blend and nylon contribute to a typing experience characterized by a rich and fuller sound profile. The U4’s top housing influences the sound upon key release, while the Yunhai’s nylon performs similarly in this regard. The softness of the materials in both cases means they dampen the vibrations associated with keystrokes, reducing the harshness typically found in switches made with harder plastics. This commonality highlights how different materials can yield similar outcomes, emphasizing that the approach to sound dampening, regardless of the specific material, effectively enhances the overall typing sound and feel.

In a practical sense, the acoustic variance between the Gazzew U4 and TTC Yunhai may be subtle enough to leave some users perceiving them as somewhat interchangeable in terms of auditory feedback. Both options deliver satisfying sound profiles that focus on richness rather than sharpness. An understanding of the respective impacts of the top and bottom housings reveals that while the Gazzew’s proprietary blend and Yunhai’s nylon may differ, the resulting typing experiences would remain comparable. Thus, any typing enthusiast looking for a switch that offers a deep, rich sound profile could find both the U4 and Yunhai to be viable candidates, ultimately depending on personal preference for housing material or build design.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force become clear. The U4 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which positions it in the medium range, providing a substantial tactile experience that some may find preferable for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Yunhai boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for users seeking a lighter touch, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. As a result, those who favor a heavier feel might gravitate towards the U4, while users prioritizing ease and speed should consider the Yunhai. Overall, the U4 is the heavier switch, while the Yunhai stands out as the lighter option.

Travel distance

Both the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same physical feedback from these switches when pressing down on a key. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches will provide comparable results in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom during use. Consequently, the tactile feedback and overall feel of pressing these switches will be essentially the same, appealing to users who prioritize consistency in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profiles of the Gazzew U4 and the TTC Yunhai switches, the U4 is characterized by a notably muted sound that produces a soft and quiet typing experience. This low-pitched tone contributes to a more subdued atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is preferred. In contrast, the information on the Yunhai's sound profile is currently unknown, which makes it difficult to compare directly. It's worth noting that the overall sound produced by both switches can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a sharp tactile feedback that creates a distinctive and exhilarating typing experience. The pronounced tactile bump ensures a strong sense of engagement with each keystroke, paired with an unexpectedly plush, soft bottom-out sensation that adds a layer of comfort. The tactile nature of the U4 makes it particularly appealing for those who appreciate a responsive feel while typing. On the other hand, there's no specific information about the feel of the Yunhai switch available for comparison, leaving its tactile characteristics to the imagination.

In conclusion, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch stands out for its muted sound profile and sharp tactile feedback combined with a plush bottom-out feel, the TTC Yunhai switch remains somewhat of an enigma, especially concerning its sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet atmosphere and distinct tactile feedback, the U4 would be the clear choice. However, for those who may prefer a different experience without specific details on the Yunhai, it is recommended to try both options when possible to find the switch that best suits your personal typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback and a whisper-quiet operation, the Gazzew U4 could be your best bet, particularly if you like a little more resistance with a medium force of 62 grams that provides a satisfying typing experience with a plush bottom-out sensation. This makes the U4 an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is essential, such as shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a more effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai should be your go-to switch. With its lighter 50-gram actuation force and deep, rounded sound profile, the Yunhai is ideal for users who prefer a gentle and easy keypress without sacrificing too much on auditory feedback. In summary, your decision should consider not only how much tactile feedback you enjoy but also whether you prioritize sound levels and the force required to actuate the keys.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more