Gazzew U4T vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4T and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the type of switch you choose can have a big impact on your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the Gazzew U4T and the KTT Wine Red. The Gazzew U4T is a tactile switch that is best known for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is a linear switch that offers a pillowy light type feel. Typing on these switches delivers a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. While these general descriptions give us a good idea of what to expect from each switch, 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
44g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 17.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4T and the KTT Wine Red have contrasting housing materials that result in distinct sound profiles. The U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which generates a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. While the U4T provides a softer and more mellow sound, the Wine Red offers a more vibrant and clear sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the U4T employs the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its top housing. This choice enhances the switch's sound profile, contributing to a rich and deep sound due to the softness of the material. On the other hand, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound. Similar to the top housing, the translucent property of polycarbonate ensures compatibility with RGB lighting. Whether you prefer the U4T's softer and mellower sound or the Wine Red's more defined sound, both housing materials undoubtedly contribute to their unique auditory experiences.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gazzew U4T and the KTT Wine Red greatly influence the sound profiles of these switches. While the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend produces a softer and deeper sound, the Wine Red's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the U4T providing a more mellow experience and the Wine Red offering a more vibrant tone. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the Wine Red switch. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality, providing satisfying options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the U4T is currently unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare it with the Wine Red's actuation force of 44 grams. However, both switches have a medium level bottom out force, with the U4T requiring 62 grams and the Wine Red requiring 55 grams.
Considering weight, the U4T is potentially heavier than the Wine Red due to its higher bottom out force. Some users may prefer the U4T for a more substantial typing experience, as the higher force can provide a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Wine Red is lighter with a lower bottom out force, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a lighter switch. This allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions.
Although the actuation force of the U4T is unknown, if it happens to be similar to the Wine Red's 44 grams, users can expect a similar response in terms of triggering keystrokes. This similarity in actuation force could make the choice between the two switches even more subjective and dependent on personal preference. Ultimately, for those seeking a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience, the U4T may be the preferred option, while the Wine Red's lighter actuation force may appeal to those looking for a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being covered. While both switches share the same travel distance, it is noteworthy that the U4T is a tactile switch, meaning it provides a tactile bump when pressed, while the Wine Red is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke. Therefore, although the travel distance is identical, the typing experience may differ depending on the desired tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew U4T 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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew U4T switch is known for its bassy 'thock' sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound can be characterized by a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch is also described as bassy, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. While the sound profiles of both switches share similarities in terms of being bassy, the U4T is attributed with a specifically thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4T switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. The tactile bump in these switches is strong and crisp, providing a high feedback intensity. With each and every keypress, the tactile bump can be felt distinctly, enhancing the typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no available information regarding the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch.
Taking into account the available information, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its bassy thock sound profile and sharp tactile feedback. On the other hand, the information available for the KTT Wine Red linear switch is limited, without any description of its sound or feel. Based on these descriptions, if you're seeking a switch with a deeper and richer sound profile and a strong tactile bump, the Gazzew U4T may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a linear switch without specific preferences for sound or feel, the KTT Wine Red may still provide satisfactory results. Remember that the ultimate typing experience is also influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a keyboard switch with a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, along with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, then the Gazzew U4T is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, the U4T offers a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light type feel, along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switches would be perfect for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Wine Red switches provide a medium-light level of resistance. Both switches have a bassy sound profile, but the U4T is also characterized as thocky, whereas the Wine Red is described as low-pitched. When it comes to feel, the U4T excels with its sharp and intense tactile feedback, while the Wine Red switches do not have a specific feel descriptor mentioned. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, so consider your typing style and desired experience when making your decision.