Gateron Beer vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer two captivating options for tactile enthusiasts, each with its unique charm and characteristics. The Gateron Beer switch is an eye-catching design that draws inspiration from the effervescence of a Tsingtao beer bottle, featuring a translucent green housing and a lightweight feel that’s complemented by a distinctive stepped tactility. Its clacky sound signature not only adds a playful auditory dimension but also makes it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches excel in delivering a luxurious typing experience, highlighted by a deep "thock" sound upon bottoming out and a sharp tactile bump that assures tactile feedback without excess noise. While both switches cater to tactile lovers, the Gateron Beer caters to those who favor a lighter touch and more vibrant sound, whereas the U4Tx RGB appeals to users wanting a refined and quieter experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Beer Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, notable differences arise that influence their overall sound profiles and user experiences. The Gateron Beer utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound signature. This material is relatively stiff, resulting in a clear resonance that elevates the auditory feedback during use. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for accentuating RGB lighting effects, allowing light to shine through beautifully. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB features a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This formulation is softer than polycarbonate and is specifically designed to deliver a richer and deeper sound profile, significantly changing the auditory experience in ways that diverge from the Gateron Beer’s crispness.

The impact of the material on the sound and feel of each switch varies conveniently between the two designs. While the polycarbonate of the Gateron Beer distinctly enhances the top-out and bottom-out sounds with its sharpness, the U4Tx RGB's softer blend modifies the keypress experience, producing a sound that tends to be warmer and more resonant. The Gateron Beer’s rigidity allows for a more immediate and punchy feedback upon keypress, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx encourages a more subdued auditory experience that can be more pleasing for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The peculiarities of these materials contribute to differences that may affect user preference, with some users favoring the clarity of the Gateron Beer and others gravitating towards the fullness of the Gazzew U4Tx.

Despite these differences, the key aspect to note is how the combination of material properties in each switch shapes the overall tactile feedback and sound profile. If you were to consider the Gateron Beer and Gazzew U4Tx RGB as similar, you could achieve comparable results by modulating your usage scenarios. For example, if utilizing RGB lighting, the Beer’s clear polycarbonate offers a brilliant visual effect, while Gazzew's softer blend, though less clear, creates an immersive sound experience that benefits from its deeper resonance. Ultimately, both switches deliver unique yet appealing tactile and auditory impressions, relying on the nuances of their housing materials to meet varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Beer features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has an unknown actuation force, but it does have a considerably heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a sturdier, more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer lighter switches, the Gateron Beer would be the better choice, while the U4Tx RGB caters to those who favor a firmer push. Overall, the Beer is lighter and may provide a more comfortable typing experience over long durations, while the U4Tx RGB could be more satisfying for users who appreciate a heavier switch feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the Gateron Beer features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Gateron Beer would be the preferred option due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker keypresses. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value speed and quick response or a more traditional and satisfying depth in your key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch produces a distinctly clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy resonance upon activation. This clackiness provides a crisp and bright auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying and indicative of a successful keypress. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is known for a deeper "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a quieter response during topping out. This results in a more subdued, refined sound compared to the Beer switches, offering a pleasant auditory experience that some users might find suitable for quieter environments.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switches are celebrated for their lightweight nature and easy-to-press design. They require minimal force to activate, making them a comfortable option for extended typing sessions and reducing finger fatigue. The stepped tactile feedback of the Beer switches creates a subtler sensation as you type, offering a mild bump that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the fingers. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB, on the other hand, also enhances the typing experience with its sharp tactile bump, although the exact characterization of its tactile feedback is less explicitly detailed. This means while the Beer offers a unique stepping action, the U4Tx might provide a different, yet equally pleasurable tactile sensation.

Overall, both the Gateron Beer and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Beer’s clacky sound and lightweight feel deliver an effervescent typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB offers a deeper thock sound with a refined tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. Whichever you choose, you can expect to enjoy a satisfying blend of tactile feedback and sound, designed to cater to different typing preferences while enhancing your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron Beer and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a light switch that facilitates effortless typing, especially for long sessions, then the Beer switch is an excellent choice. Its subtle stepped tactility, coupled with a clacky sound profile, offers a fun and engaging experience, making it suitable for casual use or even gaming where fast keystrokes can be executed with ease. On the other hand, if you seek a more premium typing experience with a distinct tactile bump and a soothing "thock" sound, the U4Tx RGB would be the better option. Its medium-heavy actuation force makes it suitable for those who appreciate a more deliberate typing feel, providing satisfying feedback on each keystroke while maintaining a quieter operation. Thus, your choice should reflect the type of experience you value, whether it's the lighter, more playful typing of the Beer or the refined, luxurious feel of the U4Tx RGB.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more