Kailh Berry vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Kailh Berry and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Berry switches are known for their linear design, offering a typing experience with a hefty feel and a textured, chalk-like texture. They produce a fairly deep sound profile, categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches marry the best of both worlds, providing a refined sound profile that combines the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. This switch offers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience and is categorized as bassy, muted, and sharp. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so that you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic", delivers a rich and deep sound profile. The softness of this plastic blend contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While both materials are effective in producing quality sound, the Berry's polycarbonate offers a sharper tone, while the Gazzew U4Tx provides a richer and more resonant sound experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Berry features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic", delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both housing materials effectively contribute to a fuller sound when typing, with the Berry's nylon offering a slightly duller tone and the U4Tx's Gazzew blend providing a deep and resonant sound.

Although the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Berry and the Gazzew U4Tx switches differ, they both play crucial roles in the overall sound experience. The bottom housing influences the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. In terms of material qualities, the Berry's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provide a sharper and deeper sound, respectively. In contrast, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top and bottom housings, known as "boba plastic", deliver a rich and deep sound profile. By considering these differences, individuals can choose the switch housing material that aligns with their preference for key press and release sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is important to note that the specific values for actuation force are unavailable for both switches. However, their bottom out forces can be compared. The Kailh Berry linear switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams, also falling within the medium-heavy range.

Considering weight as a factor, both switches provide a similar typing experience with a substantial push feel. However, for those who prefer a lighter switch, such as individuals who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch may be more suitable. Conversely, individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel for a more robust typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch. Ultimately, though the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, users can expect comparable results in terms of bottoming out and actuation.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch are both 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel, providing a similar typing experience. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer comparable results without any noticeable difference in key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its hefty typing experience and springy type feel. When typing on these switches, users will notice a chalk-like texture. The sound profile of the Berry switches is described as fairly deep, with low-pitched and bassy characteristics. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch combines the best of both worlds by offering a cleaner and refined sound profile. Typing on the U4Tx switches produces a deep and resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a whisper-quiet stealth sound when topping out. Each press on the U4Tx switches provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, resulting in a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactilely enjoyable. The sound profile of the U4Tx switches is also described as bassy, but with a muted quality that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Berry switches have a textured or scratchy characteristic that offers noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches have a sharp tactile feel that provides high feedback intensity. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the U4Tx switches can be felt distinctly with each and every keypress.

Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switches provide a springy and chalk-like type feel, with a fairly deep and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches offer a refined and cleaner sound profile that combines the deep "thock" of bottoming out with the whisper-quiet topping out sound. The tactile bump of the U4Tx switches is sharp and satisfying. While the Berry switches have a textured feel, the U4Tx switches offer a sharp tactile feel with high feedback intensity. Depending on the user's preference for typing experience and sound profile, both switches can provide a luxurious and enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a heavier bottom out force, the Kailh Berry switch would be a great choice. These switches provide a springy typing experience and have a chalk-like texture when typing on them. They also produce a fairly deep sound profile, characterized by low-pitched and bassy tones. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Gazzew U4Tx switch would be a better fit. These switches offer a luxurious typing experience with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump. They also have a refined sound profile, featuring a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet sound when topping out. Overall, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more