Kailh Box Jade vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

The Kailh Box Jade and the Gazzew U4T are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, the Box Jade is perfect for you. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T might be more your style. It boasts a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback that make each keystroke a delight for both the ears and fingers. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision on which switch suits your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$5.50 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Jade and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches intended for RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," produces a rich and deep sound due to its softness. This material offers a unique sound profile that can be characterized by its depth and warmth.

Similarly, the housing materials of the bottom housings greatly influence the overall sound characteristics of the switches. The Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing, which is praised for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, has the ability to absorb more sound compared to harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic." Like its top housing, this material imparts a rich and deep sound, further enhancing the overall switch experience.

When it comes to the tactile feel and sound of pressing and releasing a key, the top and bottom housings play specific roles. With the Box Jade, the qualities of the bottom housing predominantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing of the Box Jade has a stronger impact on the sound produced when you release a key. In the case of the Gazzew U4T, the same principle applies. The bottom housing of the U4T influences the tactile feel and sound when pressing down, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.

Overall, while the Kailh Box Jade and the Gazzew U4T have different housing materials, they both offer distinct sound profiles. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T adds to the switch's overall depth and richness. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Box Jade or the U4T, you can expect to experience unique and desirable sound characteristics in your typing or gaming endeavors.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, the Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the U4T switch that has an unknown actuation force. Both switches, however, have a similar bottom out force, with the Box Jade at 60 grams and the U4T at 62 grams.

Consideration for weight in switches is important as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. The lighter actuation force of the Box Jade makes it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This would be ideal for keyboards used for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the U4T switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. This can give a sense of assurance and tactile feedback with each keystroke.

While the actuation forces may differ, the similar medium range bottom out forces of both switches ensure that users can expect comparable results when it comes to pressing all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force, allowing users to find the optimal balance between a satisfying typing experience and long-term comfort.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch are quite different. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the U4T has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the U4T falls into the more common range with a 4 mm travel distance, while the Box Jade is on the shorter side at 3.6 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Box Jade a popular choice for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and for those who prefer a deeper key press, the U4T with its longer travel distance could be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile with an assertive tactile feedback. The sound produced by these switches is characterized by a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade is considered an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. It offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is described as having a sharp tactile bump, offering high feedback intensity. Each and every keypress on the U4T switch can be distinctly felt due to its strong and crisp tactile bump.

Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Box Jade provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and accented tactile feedback. On the other hand, the U4T switch offers a thocky sound profile with a sharp tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences, one may prefer the sharper and bassy 'thock' sound of the U4T or the high-pitched and crunchy sound of the Box Jade. In terms of feel, the Box Jade offers an invigorating typing sensation, while the U4T provides high feedback intensity. Both switches have their unique characteristics, allowing users to choose according to their individual preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and a good amount of tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be a great choice for you. They offer crisp and satisfying clicks, along with crunchy tactile bumps when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious combination of thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T switches would be ideal. These switches provide a bassy 'thock' sound profile and an assertive tactile feedback, ensuring both auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prefer high-pitched and crunchy switches of the Box Jade or the bassy and thocky switches of the U4T, both options offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

$5.50 per 10

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Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more