Gazzew U4Tx vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4Tx and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew U4Tx and the TTC Yunhai offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The U4Tx is celebrated for its harmonious blend of tactile feedback and refined acoustics, delivering a deep, resonant "thock" upon bottoming out, while maintaining a whisper-quiet sound as the key is released. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile sensation that enhances their typing experience, all wrapped in a muted sound profile. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches cater to users who favor linear switches, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke with a notably light actuation force. Ideal for typists who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback, the Yunhai’s rounded sound profile allows for a seamless and less distracting experience. Ultimately, whether you seek the rich tactile feedback and sound of the U4Tx or the effortless glide of the Yunhai, your choice will greatly affect your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew U4Tx and the TTC Yunhai, notable similarities and differences emerge that influence the overall typing experience. The U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top and bottom housings, often referred to as "boba plastic," which is characterized by its softness and ability to produce a rich, deep sound profile. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic material known for its similar attributes. The nylon housing absorbs sound effectively due to its relatively soft nature, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound when typing. While both switches aim to deliver an enriched auditory experience, the U4Tx's unique material blend might provide a subtly distinct acoustic signature compared to the traditional nylon found in the Yunhai.
Despite their differences, both the U4Tx and Yunhai exhibit sound characteristics that are shaped significantly by their respective housing materials. The softness of both the Gazzew blend and the nylon contributes to a typing experience that minimizes harsh sounds and maximizes a resonant sound profile. When typing on either switch, users can expect a muted tonal quality, but the precise nature of that sound may differ. The Gazzew blend might offer a slightly warmer and richer timbre, while the nylon could deliver a clearer yet rounded sound when keys are released. This distinction can influence user preference, particularly for those who prioritize acoustics in their typing experience.
Moreover, the impact of the housing materials extends beyond sound to the tactile feedback experienced during use. The bottom housing is crucial in shaping the bottom-out feel and sound, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound as keys are released. Thus, while the U4Tx and Yunhai utilize different materials—proprietary blend versus nylon—their ultimate performances can yield similar user experiences in terms of a deep and rich sound profile, provided that users appreciate the nuances of each material's impact on the overall typing experience. For users seeking a tactile and auditory satisfaction, both options offer a compelling choice, albeit with slight variations that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The U4Tx has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a gentler option for users looking for a more effortless typing experience. Therefore, while the Gazzew U4Tx is relatively heavier in terms of bottoming out, the TTC Yunhai stands out as the lighter switch, catering to those who favor prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Users preferring a stronger push feel might gravitate towards the Gazzew, while those seeking a softer touch may opt for the Yunhai.
Travel distance
The travel distance for both the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch is the same, measuring at 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing either switch, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. With both switches having identical travel distances, they're likely to produce comparable results in typing feel and responsiveness, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 stands out with its deep, resonant "thock" that resonates when bottoming out, creating a satisfying auditory experience. This sound is complemented by a muted top-out noise, allowing for a more refined and subtler acoustic profile. The U4Tx switches produce a bassy and muted sound, characterized by a lower frequency and a softer volume, making them suitable for environments where noise is a consideration. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch lacks a defined sound profile in this context, but given its design, it is likely to produce a smoother sound with less of the pronounced auditory feedback characteristic of tactile switches. Hence, while the U4Tx offers a rich, layered sound, the Yunhai likely provides a quieter, cleaner experience, more suited to those who prefer a more understated auditory response.
In terms of feel, the U4Tx is known for its sharp tactile feedback, allowing users to distinctly sense the prominent tactile bump with each keystroke. This high-feedback intensity enhances typing precision and satisfaction, making each press feel intentional and well-defined. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch has not been detailed specifically regarding its tactile qualities, but generally, linear switches are designed to offer a smooth and consistent keypress experience without any tactile bump. Users of the Yunhai can expect a gentler feel due to its light actuation force, which contrasts sharply with the assertive tactile experience of the U4Tx.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The U4Tx excels in delivering a rich, deep sound and sharp tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing sensation. Conversely, the Yunhai is poised to offer a gentle and smooth keypress, suited for those who favor an effortless typing experience without the tactile bump. Thus, while each switch offers unique subjective qualities, your choice should ultimately align with your personal typing style and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a satisfying bump and a sophisticated acoustic profile, then the U4Tx is an excellent option for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams means that while it is still comfortable to type on, it offers enough resistance for those who appreciate a more engaged typing experience. The deep “thock” sound when bottoming out paired with a muted topping out creates a rich auditory feedback that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless keystroke, the TTC Yunhai, with its 50-gram actuation force, would be more suited to your needs. Its soft and rounded sound accompanies an easy typing experience, making it a wonderful choice for fast typists who want to maintain speed without straining their fingers. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and acoustic richness with the U4Tx or a lighter, more fluid experience with the Yunhai.
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