Gazzew U4Tx vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4Tx and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders are the Gazzew U4Tx and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The U4Tx, characterized by its tactile response, strikes a balance between a satisfyingly deep "thock" sound upon bottoming out and a whisper-quiet top-out, making it ideal for those who appreciate a rich auditory experience combined with tactile feedback. Its design aims at delivering a luxurious typing feel, appealing to typists who enjoy clarity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a smooth, creamy operation, thanks to its innovative POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This results in a buttery typing experience complemented by a high-pitched, clacky sound that stands out in comparison to other linear switches. While the U4Tx focuses on tactile sensation and a harmonious acoustic profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes smoothness and resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew U4Tx and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, notable distinctions arise in their design philosophy and sound profiles, despite both utilizing proprietary blends aimed at enhancing performance. The U4Tx employs a proprietary Gazzew blend made from a type of plastic often referred to as "boba plastic." This material is characterized by its softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, significantly affecting the auditory experience during keypresses. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend labeled as "special mixed materials" for its top housing, which aims to produce a higher-pitched, clacky sound signature. This difference in tonal focus illustrates how the material composition can directly influence the desired auditory characteristics of the switches.
Examining the bottom housings further exemplifies the contrasts in material choice and performance. The U4Tx features a bottom housing constructed from the same "boba plastic" blend, reinforcing its rich and deep sound profile. Meanwhile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's bottom housing is crafted from POK material, known for its superior durability and smoothness. The POK material's exceptionally low friction and wear resistance contribute to a longer lifespan for the switches, alongside its ability to produce a unique sound signature that combines smoothness with a clacky feel. The differences in bottom housing materials thus create distinct tactile experiences: while the U4Tx leans towards a soft and cushioned feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a more tactile response due to the robustness of POK.
In terms of overall performance, the nuanced impact of each switch's top and bottom housing must be acknowledged. While the Gazzew U4Tx's properties deliver consistent deep sounds, players may find that the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, with its clacky quality, yields an engaging and lively typing experience. However, users can achieve a similarly exciting performance by mixing or customizing switch configurations, allowing for a blend of the deep resonant qualities of the U4Tx with the crisp, lively characteristics of the Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired sound profile, as both offer distinct but compelling auditory experiences rooted in their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The U4Tx has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a light actuation force of 43 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference means that the U4Tx will provide a heftier, more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a heavier tactile feedback. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter, making it ideal for those who favor a gentler keystroke that could reduce fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, if you value a heavier switch with a medium bottom out feel, the U4Tx is your choice, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is better suited for those looking for a lighter, more responsive experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their travel distances, with the U4Tx measuring 3.6 mm and the Vanilla Ice Cream at 3.5 mm. While the difference is slight, the U4Tx has the longer travel distance, offering a bit more depth in key presses, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream, with its shorter distance, may be favored by those seeking quicker response times often desired in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, while both switches provide a satisfying experience, the U4Tx caters more toward users looking for a traditional tactile depth, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream targets those who appreciate a slightly snappier feedback.
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 U4Tx 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 U4Tx tactile switch delivers a deep, resonant "thock" upon bottoming out, providing a bassy profile that adds richness to the typing experience. This is complemented by a muted, whisper-quiet topping out that minimizes noise, making it a suitable choice for environments where sound is a concern. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, characterized by its resonant and marbly qualities. The auditory experience is sharp and crisp, which appeals to users who appreciate a more vibrant sound while typing. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences: the U4Tx for those who enjoy deeper sounds and quieter actions, and the Vanilla Ice Cream for those who prefer a livelier auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the U4Tx is recognized for its sharp tactile feedback, providing a distinct and pronounced bump with each keystroke. This high feedback intensity ensures that typists can feel a strong response as they type, which many find enhances overall typing satisfaction. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, characterized by a smooth, fluid keystroke experience. The creamy sensation allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, resulting in a typing experience that feels seamless and easy. While the U4Tx emphasizes tactile feedback with its intense bumps, the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a silky, smooth action, making them suited for different user preferences.
In summary, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. The U4Tx is perfect for those who enjoy a rich, muted sound coupled with sharp tactile feedback, creating a luxurious typing experience. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream caters to individuals who prefer a lively, crisp auditory profile and a creamy, buttery feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a deep, tactile feedback experience or a smooth, fluid keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you value a tactile feedback with a distinct "thock" sound that adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing, along with a refined and muted sound profile, the U4Tx is your go-to choice. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate medium resistance and want that sharp tactile bump, making it great for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter touch and enjoy a high-pitched, resonant sound that’s reminiscent of the delightful experience of enjoying ice cream, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is likely the better fit for you. Its buttery, creamy feel and lower bottom out force makes it perfect for extended typing sessions where speed and comfort are paramount. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you prioritize tactile feedback versus smoothness, sound profile, and actuation force in your keyboard experience.
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