Gazzew U4T vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4T and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew U4T and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique and distinctive features for keyboard enthusiasts. The U4T is renowned for its harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a bassy 'thock' sound profile paired with assertive tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its remarkably smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the U4T is best known for its auditory and tactile satisfaction, the Vanilla Ice Cream excels in delivering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Each switch offers a different typing experience, making them suitable for individuals with different preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 17.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew U4T and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness, while the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the U4T's Gazzew blend bottom housing also contributes to its rich and deep sound profile, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is designed for smoothness and durability, with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance. Overall, the two switches offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics based on their housing materials.
While the U4T and Vanilla Ice Cream switches both utilize proprietary blends for their top housing, the Gazzew blend is known for its softness and ability to produce a rich sound profile, while the KTT blend produces a high-pitched and clacky sound. In terms of bottom housing materials, the U4T's Gazzew blend maintains the rich sound profile, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material focuses on smoothness and durability. The differences in housing materials between the two switches directly impact the overall sound and feel of each switch, providing users with varying experiences based on their preferences for sound and key feel.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gazzew U4T and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches play a crucial role in determining their respective sound profiles and overall user experience. While the U4T features a Gazzew blend top and bottom housing for a rich sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing for a high-pitched, clacky sound with exceptional smoothness and durability. The unique properties of each housing material contribute to the distinct characteristics of each switch, offering users a choice between a deep, rich sound or a high-pitched, clacky sound based on their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we can see a clear difference in weight. The U4T has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it lighter. In terms of bottom out force, the U4T requires 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream requires 48 grams, which is lighter. These differences suggest that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer periods of typing or gaming, while the U4T switch would offer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired force level.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The U4T offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal more to gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 U4T 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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its deep and rich bassy 'thock' sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, giving typists a different auditory sensation that sets it apart from other switches. Depending on your preference, the U4T delivers a bassy thockiness while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a more resonant and marbly sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is praised for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a high intensity tactile bump with every keypress for a distinctive typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. Typists can expect a silky sensation while typing on the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, creating a different tactile feel compared to the assertive feedback of the U4T.
Overall, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the U4T provides a bassy thockiness and sharp tactile feedback, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched, marbly sound and a buttery, creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches excel in their own distinct ways to enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility with a bassy sound profile, then the U4T may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, smooth and creamy typing feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on your personal preference for keypress feedback, sound profile, and typing experience. Happy keyboarding!
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