Gazzew U4T vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4T and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, and the TTC Venus, a linear switch. The Gazzew U4Ts are praised for their harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its unique internal configuration that offers a smooth and nearly frictionless glide, coupled with a distinctive "Q-texture" for a springy resistance sensation. While the U4T is known for its bassy thock sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, the Venus boasts a buttery, gummy feel with a very light actuation and a muted 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4T features a Gazzew blend top housing known for its rich and deep sound profile, while the TTC Venus utilizes a POM top housing that creates a unique and pleasing sound, albeit on the deeper and more muted side. In terms of bottom housing, both switches differ again, with the U4T boasting a Gazzew blend bottom housing for a similarly rich and deep sound profile, while the Venus incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The Gazzew U4T's top and bottom housings share similar qualities, providing a consistent sound profile throughout key presses, while the Venus showcases contrasting sound profiles between its top and bottom housings.
The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the Gazzew U4T and TTC Venus switches results in distinct tactile and audible experiences during key presses. The Gazzew U4T's Gazzew blend top and bottom housings work harmoniously to deliver a consistent, rich sound profile with softness, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the TTC Venus provides a crisper, more resonant sound compared to its POM top housing. The difference in housing materials between the two switches highlights how material composition can impact the overall typing experience, offering a variety of sound profiles and tactile feedback for users to choose from.
Overall, the Gazzew U4T and TTC Venus switches offer contrasting sound profiles and tactile feedback due to their differing housing materials. While the U4T provides a consistent and rich sound through its Gazzew blend top and bottom housings, the Venus showcases a unique and pleasing sound with its POM top housing and sharper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in creating distinct typing experiences, whether users prefer a softer, deeper sound or a sharper, crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew U4T and TTC Venus will depend on individual preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly in weight. The U4T has no specified actuation force, but a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light. When considering the preferences of users, the lighter actuation force of the Venus would be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the U4T would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the TTC Venus is the shorter option compared to the U4T. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer a similar traditional travel distance, providing a familiar typing experience for users who prefer that feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its deep and satisfying 'thock' sound profile, which offers a bassy and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch boasts a low-pitched and muted sound signature, providing a quieter and more subtle auditory embrace with each keystroke. While the U4T focuses on creating a thocky and tactile sound experience, the Venus aims for a smoother and more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch stands out for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a high intensity and crisp tactile bump with every keypress. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. With its gummy and mild characteristics, the Venus switch delivers a unique tactile sensation akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, promising a gentle and approachable typing experience for users.
Overall, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch excels in providing a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying audible and tactile feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch stands out for its innovative internal configuration that offers a seamless and engaging typing experience, characterized by a smooth matte sensation and light actuation. Both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the U4T and Venus switches will depend on whether you prefer a deep and tactile typing experience or a smooth and engaging keystroke sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, opt for the U4T. This switch offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams, the Venus is the way to go. With its unique "Q-texture" and nearly frictionless glide, coupled with a muted sound signature and very light actuation, this switch promises rapid and effortless typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the U4T for a more tactile and bassy experience, or opt for the Venus for a smoother and quieter typing sensation.
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