Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gazzew U4 present contrasting experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky feedback, providing users with a satisfying audible click and a pronounced tactile response that can enhance typists' performance and engagement with the keyboard. Its lively sound and feel make it an excellent choice for those who crave a dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 offers a more subdued, tactile touch with its whisper-quiet operation, perfect for users who appreciate the sharp tactile bump without the disruptive sound. The plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation of the U4 switch ensures comfortable typing sessions, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. Both switches bring unique advantages to the table, thus catering to different tastes and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box White V2 and the Gazzew U4 switches employ different materials in their top housings, which significantly impacts the sound profile and overall typing experience. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when typing, making it ideal for users who favor a more vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4 employs a proprietary blend referred to as "boba plastic," which results in a richer, deeper sound profile due to its softer texture. While both housings ultimately influence the auditory feedback of the switches, the contrast between polycarbonate's crispness and the boba plastic's warmth defines their distinct acoustic characteristics.

In terms of bottom housing, both switches share a similarity with the use of softer materials. The Kailh Box White V2 utilizes nylon, a classic material known for creating deep and full sound profiles by absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics. Similarly, the Gazzew U4 features the same proprietary boba plastic material in its bottom housing, which carries forth the softer attributes and contributes to the rounded sound experience. This parallel in bottom housing materials means that, despite the difference in their top housings, users can expect a profound impact on the typing experience from both switches akin to one another.

Overall, the combination of these materials in both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gazzew U4 suggests an intertwined relationship between top and bottom housings that influences performance and sound. While the Box White V2's polycarbonate top creates a more pronounced sound on key release, the U4's boba plastic top softens the impact. Conversely, the nylon in the Box White V2 and the boba plastic in the U4 both contribute to deeper bottom-out sounds, enhancing the tactile feedback significantly. Thus, while users may gravitate toward one switch over the other based on the sound profile preferences, they can ultimately expect similar rich typing experiences driven by the softer materials in the bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we see that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, offering a light feel that can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly, with the Box White V2 at 50 grams and the U4 reaching a heavier 62 grams. This means that while both switches are equally light to actuate, the Gazzew U4 provides more resistance when bottoming out, giving a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter overall switch, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the better choice, while the Gazzew U4 might appeal to those who favor a heftier feel when pressing down.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel and response when pressing down on either key. This equivalence in travel distance ensures that the tactile feedback and actuation characteristics are comparable, making them suitable for users who prioritize a consistent typing experience. Since both switches travel the same distance, those who enjoy the clicky feedback of the Box White V2 and the tactile response of the U4 can experience similar results in terms of key actuation depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by a distinct and crisp click that resonates with each keystroke, making it a joy for those who appreciate audible feedback when typing. This sharp sound adds an engaging aspect to the typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy the traditional clicky nature of such switches. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 presents a much more muted sound profile. These switches are designed to be whisper quiet, producing a low-pitched tone that is clearly less intrusive compared to the clacky nature of the Box White V2. The U4 switches minimize the noise typical of mechanical keyboards, fostering an environment that is more conducive to quiet workspaces or shared areas.

When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 provides a crisp tactile feedback that is satisfying and pronounced, allowing typists to experience a clear distinction during key presses. This switch delivers a tactile bump that is sharp and tends to be very noticeable with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 boasts a sharp tactile experience as well, with a strong tactile bump that is exhilarating without being overwhelming. Users can expect a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation that pairs well with the smoothness of the keypress, offering a unique typing experience that feels gentle on the fingers while still providing the necessary feedback.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gazzew U4 switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Box White V2 excels in providing a loud and clicky auditory experience, along with a crisp tactile response that many typists crave. On the other hand, the U4 switches offer a subdued sound and a noticeably plush tactile sensation, ideal for those who prefer a silent and soft feel while maintaining a pronounced tactile feedback. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize sound or silence, but regardless, each switch delivers a satisfying typing experience tailored to the preferences of different users.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gazzew U4 switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lighter switch that offers a pronounced clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for fast typists and those who appreciate auditory cues while typing. This switch works well in environments where noise isn’t a concern or even where it might be appreciated, such as at home or in a lively office setting. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more subdued typing experience that balances tactile feedback with a quieter operation, the Gazzew U4 is the way to go. With a 62-gram bottom-out force, the U4 provides a satisfyingly plush feel and a distinct tactile bump while maintaining a muted and low-pitched sound profile. This makes it a fantastic option for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where noise levels need to be kept in check. Therefore, consider your typing style, the acoustics of your environment, and what you find most satisfying in a switch as you make your choice.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more