Gateron Beer vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Gazzew U4Tx both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its mesmerizing translucent green appearance reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is known for its refreshingly lightweight feel and stepped tactility. It provides a subtler tactile feedback compared to other switches, coupled with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx stands out for its hybrid design that combines the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet topping out of the U4. This switch offers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. While the Beer is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Stepped', the U4Tx is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Muted', 'Sharp'. Each switch has its own strengths and advantages, appealing to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Beer Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4Tx both boast unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is also beneficial for RGB lighting enthusiasts as its translucency allows for vibrant light display. On the other hand, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Beer offers a clearer and resonant sound, the U4Tx provides a more mellow and soothing auditory experience.

In terms of bottom housings, both switches continue to differentiate themselves. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with this material. It also contributes to the overall feel and sound of bottoming out a key due to its stiffness. Meanwhile, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing brings a deep and rich sound profile with its soft composition. This material impacts the feel and sound of bottoming out, providing a more cushioned and comfortable typing experience compared to the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing.

Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4Tx play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches. While the Beer's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend housing offers a richer and deeper auditory experience. The differences between the top and bottom housings of each switch further emphasize the unique characteristics of their respective materials, providing users with options tailored to their preferences in sound and typing feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate or the rich and soothing sound of the Gazzew blend, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences.

Weight

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the U4Tx has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams compared to the Beer's 50 grams. This means that the Beer switch would be easier to type on for longer periods of time due to its lighter actuation force, making it a good choice for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the U4Tx would provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different levels of resistance depending on personal preference, so users can choose accordingly for their typing needs.

Travel distance

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard community, especially for gamers looking for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the U4Tx with a slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a bassy and muted sound profile, with a deep and rich tone during key presses that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the bright and crisp sound of the Beer or the deeper, quieter sound of the U4Tx.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by being easy-to-press and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by minimizing finger fatigue and making typing effortless. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer provides a more subtle feel with a two-stage keystroke sensation. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity, ensuring a distinct and satisfying keypress experience for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile response.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, stepped tactility, the U4Tx delivers a bassy, muted sound and a sharp, intense tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will boil down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, so users can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a clacky sound profile, the Beer would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with a bassy and muted sound profile, along with a sharp tactile bump, then the U4Tx would be more suitable for your typing needs. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what feels best for you while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4Tx switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more