TTC Gold Red vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

Introducing the TTC Gold Red and the Gazzew U4, two impressive mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red is known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance. With a snappy sound profile, these switches add a modest touch of personality without being ostentatious. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing a unique typing sensation. Along with a plush, felt-like bottom-out experience, the U4s maintain a whisper quiet sound profile. While these general points highlight the key features of each switch, let's delve deeper to help you make the best choice for your specific needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gazzew U4 exhibit some similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, both switches offer unique characteristics. The Gold Red utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is ideal for switches with clear housings, allowing for the transmission of RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While it may not offer the same clarity as polycarbonate, it provides a more rounded and resonant sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the TTC Gold Red employs nylon, a classic choice for switch housing. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller, yet rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," showcases the same softness as its top housing counterpart. Consequently, the U4 switch maintains a consistent rich and deep sound profile throughout, complementing the experience of using the switch.

While both the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile, the split between the two differs in impact. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In this regard, the TTC Gold Red's nylon bottom housing offers a unique experience with its absorbing properties. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, with its polycarbonate top housing, the Gold Red provides a defined and clear crisp sound upon key release. The Gazzew U4, with its proprietary blend top housing, maintains a consistent deep and resonant sound profile throughout each keystroke.

In summary, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gazzew U4 exhibit distinct characteristics. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend top and bottom housings provide a consistent rich and deep sound profile. Overall, both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the top and bottom housings playing differing roles in sound production.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical. This suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the initial activation of the switch.

However, when it comes to the bottom out force, we see contrasting results. The Gold Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is relatively light. This lighter force may be preferred by individuals who value longer typing sessions and want to reduce fatigue during extended use, such as in work or gaming scenarios.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. This heavier force might be favored by users who desire a more tactile and robust typing experience. The increased resistance could offer a satisfying feedback and enhance the overall typing sensation.

Considering weight as a factor is important since it affects personal preference and typing comfort. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gold Red, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel can opt for the U4. Both switches offer differing levels of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the option that aligns with their typing preferences and needs.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different travel distances. The Gold Red has a travel distance of 4mm, which is considered to be the most traditional travel distance. On the other hand, the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm. This means that the U4 will provide a slightly shallower key press compared to the Gold Red.

Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the U4 may be more appealing to those who prioritize quick and precise key presses. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or shallow. In such cases, the Gold Red with its longer travel distance would be a better choice as it provides a deeper and more substantial key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. The low-pitched nature of these switches adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. This combination creates a neutral sound that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use your keyboard at home or work. Similarly, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is described as having a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. The low-pitched tone of the U4 adds a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, just like the Gold Red. Overall, both switches provide similar sound qualities, with the U4 offering a more subdued and whisper-quiet experience.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red is known for its mild and silky characteristics. The mild feel provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, with the sound and feel standing in a safe and middle-ground zone. The silky nature of the switch enhances the smoothness of typing, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Gold Red has a subtle and polished feel, maintaining a gentle resistance without being too feather-light. The U4, on the other hand, is described as offering a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity. Each keypress with the U4 provides a distinct and crisp tactile sensation. While the Gold Red focuses on a smooth and refined typing experience, the U4 emphasizes the pronounced tactile feedback. Therefore, if you prefer a gentler and polished feel, the Gold Red is a suitable choice, while the U4 is ideal if you seek a sharper and more pronounced tactile bump.

Considering all the available information, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer unique qualities. In terms of sound, the Gold Red produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, while the U4 has a muted and low-pitched sound. Both switches offer similar characteristics in this regard, providing a satisfying and bass-heavy typing experience. In terms of feel, the Gold Red offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished experience, focusing on a smooth and refined typing feel. The U4, in contrast, provides a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity. Therefore, depending on your preference for either a gentler and polished feel or a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback, you can choose between the Gold Red and the U4 switches. Rest assured that you will achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, as both switches excel in their respective qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a light-medium level of resistance and a smooth typing experience, with a subtle and polished feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switches are a great choice for you. These switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience and have a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, which adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too loud. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a sharp and crisp tactile bump, along with a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 tactile switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches have a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making them whisper quiet. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and Gazzew U4 switches comes down to personal preference, whether you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and polished feel or a tactile switch with a sharp feedback intensity.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more