KTT Pine vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the KTT Pine and the Gazzew U4T. The Pine is a linear switch that is best known for its medium-heavy weight and exceptionally smooth typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction, resulting in seamless key travel. On the other hand, the U4T is a tactile switch that offers a unique combination of thockiness and sharp tactility. Its bassy 'thock' sound profile, coupled with assertive tactile feedback, ensures that every keystroke provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that make them appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Pine Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Gazzew U4T take different approaches in delivering their sound profiles. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic creates a more resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T employs Gazzew's proprietary plastic blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housings. This unique material delivers a rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its softness. The U4T's sound is likely to resonate with those who enjoy a more mellow and satisfying typing sound.

While the top housing materials differ between the KTT Pine and the Gazzew U4T, both result in a similar outcome when it comes to sound. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the U4T's proprietary plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound. Despite the disparity in materials, both options offer pleasing auditory experiences for users. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing on the Pine is translucent, making it an excellent choice for those who plan to utilize RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the U4T's proprietary plastic blend, often called "boba plastic," provides a visually appealing switch housing option with its unique and distinct appearance.

In terms of how the housing materials impact the actual typing experience, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel when bottoming out. For switches with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that pressing down on the switch will primarily highlight the characteristics of the bottom housing, resulting in a more prominent impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the contrary, the top housing's influence becomes more noticeable when releasing a key, as it has a greater impact on the sound produced when letting go. Understanding this distinction can help users select a switch that aligns with their preferred typing experience, whether they prioritize the sound and feel when pressing down or when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Pine switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the U4T switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, both switches have a bottom out force of medium intensity, with the Pine switch at 58 grams and the U4T switch at 62 grams.

Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Pine, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lightweight characteristic is ideal for those who use keyboards for work or extended gaming. On the other hand, users seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. While the U4T's actuation force remains unknown, its higher bottom out force suggests a potentially more robust and satisfying typing experience for those desiring a stronger push feel.

In conclusion, the KTT Pine linear switch has a lighter actuation force than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, while their bottom out forces are relatively similar. This means that users seeking a lighter touch may be more inclined to choose the Pine, whereas those desiring a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the U4T or options with heavier forces.

Travel distance

The KTT Pine linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Pine or U4T, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer a bassy sound profile. This means that they provide a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, the U4T switch also offers a unique thocky sound, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. The sound produced by these switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. With either switch, users can expect a pleasing auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the KTT Pine switch is often described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The switch has a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. With each keypress, users can feel a strong and crisp tactile bump, offering a high intensity of feedback. The U4T switch prioritizes a sharp tactility, ensuring a distinct feeling with every keystroke.

Considering the available information, the KTT Pine linear switch excels in providing a smooth and buttery typing experience, minimizing friction and offering a uniform sensation. It also produces a bassy sound that adds depth and richness to each keypress. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a unique fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. It provides a bassy and thocky sound profile, along with a strong and crisp tactile bump. When it comes to choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to the user's personal preference for sound and feel. Both switches offer qualities that can enhance the typing experience; however, the decision should be based on individual preferences and requirements.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the KTT Pine linear switches would be a great choice for you. These switches are known for their buttery smooth feel and polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Pine switches offer a bassy and low-pitched profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, if you prioritize a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T tactile switches would be a fantastic option. With a medium bottom out force, these switches offer an assertive tactile feedback and produce a bassy thock sound profile, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction. The U4T switches are characterized by their sharp tactile bump which can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Pine linear switches and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches depends on whether you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience (Pine) or a tactile feedback along with auditory satisfaction (U4T). Choose the switches that align with your preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

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Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more