Gateron Beer vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4, both tactile switches with unique characteristics. The Gateron Beer stands out for its eye-catching translucent green design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle and its refreshing lightweight feel. It offers a stepped tactility for a subtle typing experience and emits a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 boasts a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. It features a whisper-quiet sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more muted typing experience. Each switch has its own set of qualities and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4 switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the U4 uses a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which results in a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Beer's top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the U4's top housing focuses on depth and richness in sound.
In terms of bottom housing material, the differences between the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4 switches continue. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing once again contributes to the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, combining with the top housing to create a cohesive sound experience. Conversely, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also made of "boba plastic," adds to the rich and deep sound profile of the switch. The softness of the material plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4 switches vary, both materials significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on these switches. The split between the housing materials means that pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. When releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch. The Beer requires 38 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the U4 needs 45 grams to actuate and 62 grams to bottom out. The Beer offers a softer and more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the U4 provides a more substantial and slightly heavier typing feel, catering to users who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for quick response times, especially among gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a faster, more responsive keystroke, the Beer would be the better option, while if you prefer a bit more depth to your keystrokes, the U4 would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their similar travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Gazzew U4 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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is described as having a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it whisper quiet during typing sessions. Depending on personal preference, the Beer will provide a more pronounced and percussive sound experience, while the U4 offers a more subtle and soothing typing acoustic.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy-to-press and offering a gentle resistance, requiring minimal force for activation. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility that provides a mild tactile feedback with distinct stages during key presses. Conversely, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump that offers a high feedback intensity, ensuring a crisp and prominent feel with each keystroke. Overall, the Beer switch emphasizes a light and effortless typing experience, while the U4 focuses on delivering a more intense and precise tactile feedback.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it's clear that the Gateron Beer and Gazzew U4 tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky sound and a gentle resistance with stepped tactility, the Beer switch would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with sharp and intense tactile feedback, the U4 switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, allowing you to achieve satisfying results depending on your individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a light actuation force and a clacky sound profile, the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium actuation force, a muted sound profile, and a sharp tactile bump, then the Gazzew U4 tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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