KTT Strawberry vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4. The Strawberry stands out with its attractive pink and clear housings, and it is praised for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. On the other hand, the U4 switches offer a different experience with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, giving typists a satisfying feedback during keystrokes. Additionally, the U4 switches provide a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, making typing a tactilely pleasurable experience. Another notable aspect of the U4 switches is their whisper-quiet sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4 differ significantly. The Strawberry features polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which give it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate plastic creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a distinct sound experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it perfect for incorporating RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing touch to the switch.
In contrast, the U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housings. This unique plastic blend, referred to as "boba plastic," contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. The softness of the material allows for a more mellow and satisfying sound when pressing down on the switch. While it may not offer the same level of clarity and sharpness as polycarbonate, the U4's Gazzew blend provides a different kind of auditory experience that appeals to those seeking a smoother and more soothing typing or gaming experience.
When comparing the two, it is essential to note that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the U4's Gazzew blend affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Although both housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile, they do so in different ways. Therefore, while the Strawberry may offer a sharper and crisper sound, the U4 excels in delivering a rich and deep sound, thanks to its soft and proprietary plastic blend.
In summary, the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate housing materials emphasize clarity and resonance, particularly when letting go of a key, while also providing a visually appealing option for those who enjoy RGB lighting. Conversely, the Gazzew U4's Gazzew blend housing materials prioritize a mellow and soothing typing or gaming experience, offering a rich and deep sound when pressing down on a key. Although they differ in sound characteristics, both housing materials contribute to the overall switch experience in their unique ways, ensuring that users have a choice based on their preferences for sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have the same levels of force required. Both switches have an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and the amount of force needed to bottom out the switch.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without fatigue. However, there are also individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter switch, both the KTT Strawberry and the Gazzew U4 would be suitable options to consider. On the other hand, for users who prefer a heavier switch, both switches would also meet their preferences. It is worth noting that weight is subjective, and personal preference should ultimately guide the decision-making process when choosing between these switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the Strawberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a noticeable difference in travel distance, with the Strawberry providing a more traditional and deeper feeling experience compared to the shallower feel of the U4. However, it is essential to consider personal preferences and requirements when choosing between these switches. Gamers, for example, often lean towards shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the U4 a favorable option. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial, deeper feeling when pressing down on a key may find the Strawberry more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91, whereas the Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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 KTT Strawberry linear switch produces a low-pitched tone, which is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow sound. This results in a more relaxed and soothing auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, which means it produces a softer and quieter noise compared to regular or clacky switches. Additionally, both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, depending on your specific setup, you can expect similar results in terms of sound from these switches.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for providing a frictionless and silky typing experience. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch provides a fluid and polished keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is characterized by a sharp tactile bump, which produces a strong and crisp feedback sensation with each keypress. While the U4 switch offers a distinct tactile bump, it may not provide the same level of smoothness and fluidity as the Strawberry switch.
In conclusion, the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Strawberry switch produces a low-pitched sound and provides a frictionless and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the U4 switch has a muted sound profile and offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between a smoother and quieter typing experience with the Strawberry switch or a more pronounced and tactile feel with the U4 switch. However, it is important to consider other factors including keyboard board and keycaps, as they may also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. The Strawberry offers a low-pitched sound with its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and medium bottom out force. It provides a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, ensuring effortless and uniform keystrokes. On the other hand, the U4 offers a muted and low-pitched sound, with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. It provides a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation for a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on whether you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience (Strawberry) or a sharp and intense tactile feedback (U4). Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
