HMX 1989 vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between linear and tactile switches. The HMX 1989, celebrated as the deepest and thockiest of the HMX Film switch series, offers an exceptionally smooth linear actuation that caters to gamers and typists who prefer a fluid keypress without any tactile feedback. This characteristic makes it ideal for those who enjoy rapid key presses and seek a seamless experience while gaming or typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a refined tactile experience that strikes a balance between satisfying feedback and a quieter operation. With a distinct, sharp tactile bump, they are perfect for users who appreciate a tactile sensation while maintaining a minimal noise level during usage. While both switches have their unique advantages—smoothness from the HMX 1989 and tactile feedback from the U4Tx—selecting the ideal switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and usage scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX 1989 Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Gazzew U4Tx, key differences arise primarily from the choice of plastics used in their constructions. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes. Polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting scenarios, providing an aesthetic appeal that complements the visual effects. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx utilizes a proprietary blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," in its top housing. This blend is characterized by its softness, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper and richer. Thus, while the HMX 1989 offers a brighter and more vibrant sound, the U4Tx prioritizes a warm and full auditory experience.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar contrast and synergy in sound profiles. The HMX 1989 employs a nylon bottom housing, a material renowned for its classic attributes in switch design. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, delivering a fuller and rounder auditory experience upon key actuation. The U4Tx, on the other hand, also features the proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, which promises an equally rich and deep sound profile due to its soft nature. Both switches thus leverage softer materials in their bottom housings to achieve a similar auditory outcome, hinting at the potential for comparable sound experiences, despite the different top housing materials used.

Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in both switches is crucial to their overall sound and feel. While the HMX 1989 relies on the rigidity of polycarbonate to accentuate brightness and clarity in the release sound, the Gazzew U4Tx, with its softer top housing, emphasizes warmth and depth. However, the influential role of the bottom housing in determining the key feel and bottom-out sound makes both switches resonate with a richness that can be attributed to their shared reliance on softer materials in their bottom housings. Whether one gravitates towards the clearer sound signature of the HMX 1989 or the deeper tones of the U4Tx, each offers a distinct tactile and auditory experience shaped by the unique properties of their respective materials.

Weight

When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in terms of resistance. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, but its actuation force is unknown. This suggests that the U4Tx will require more effort to fully depress compared to the HMX 1989. In terms of typing experience, the lighter actuation force of the HMX 1989 can be more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, providing a less strenuous experience. In contrast, the heftier bottom out force of the U4Tx may appeal to those who prefer the more substantial feel of a heavier switch. Overall, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option, while the U4Tx is heavier, contributing to their different tactile experiences.

Travel distance

The HMX 1989 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the U4Tx will provide a quicker response during keystrokes, which may benefit gamers seeking faster actuation. Conversely, the HMX 1989 offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, catering to users who prefer a deeper engagement with their key presses. While both switches are designed to provide a good typing experience, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference: the longer 4 mm travel of the HMX 1989 gives a more pronounced feedback, while the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the U4Tx enables more rapid key action.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is well-regarded for its deep and "thocky" character, making it a great option for those who appreciate a richer audio profile during typing. This switch's sound signature leans towards a lower frequency, which delivers a satisfying auditory experience that’s particularly appealing in gaming and other high-intensity activities. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch presents a more refined sound profile. It combines a deeper, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with a notably quieter topping out phase, creating a harmonious blend that minimizes distraction while typing. This allows the U4Tx to cater to users who prefer a muted yet still bassy acoustic experience, making it versatile in different environments. It's worth noting that the sound characteristics of both switches can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard build and keycap material.

Regarding the feel of each switch, the HMX 1989 offers a linear switch experience that is smooth and consistent throughout the keypress, focusing on seamless transitions without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx excels in providing a pronounced tactile feedback with its sharp bump, offering an intense and crisp sensation under your fingers during each keypress. This distinction is critical for typists and gamers alike—while the 1989 allows for fluid keystrokes, the U4Tx enhances the tactile experience, ensuring every press feels deliberate and rewarding.

In conclusion, while both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer unique qualities, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The HMX 1989 is ideal for those who appreciate a deep, thocky sound and a smooth typing experience, while the Gazzew U4Tx combines a refined auditory profile with sharp tactile feedback, making it perfect for users who seek an exquisite balance between sound and sensation. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a linear experience or the tactile dynamics offered by the U4Tx.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you value most in your typing or gaming experience. If you're someone who enjoys a medium-light touch and seeks a switch with a deep, thocky sound profile that enhances the tactile joy of gaming or typing, the 1989 is a fantastic option. It's particularly suited for those who relish a smooth experience without the distraction of pronounced tactile feedback, making it ideal for long gaming sessions or typing tasks where flow and speed are essential. On the other hand, if you desire a more tactile experience with a sharper feedback—along with a refined sound profile for a harmonious atmosphere—the Gazzew U4Tx will likely appeal to you more. Its stronger tactile bump and dual sound characteristics provide a luxurious typing experience that balances auditory pleasure and physical feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prefer the subtlety and speed of a linear switch like the 1989, or the tactile richness and defined acoustics of the U4Tx.

Mentioned in this article

HMX 1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more