Kailh Box White vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular contenders are the Kailh Box White and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Box White switch is known for its clicky nature, offering maximum audio feedback with a distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and an accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch combines the best of both worlds, featuring a refined sound profile that combines the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out of the U4T with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. Each press on the U4Tx provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. 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 Clicky

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$2.76 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affects their sound profiles. The Box White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, giving it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a distinct and vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend provides a rich and deep sound, thanks to its softness. This softer material gives the U4Tx a mellower and warmer sound, appealing to users seeking a softer, more relaxing typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box White utilizes a nylon material to create a classic switch housing. Typing on these switches produces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softness, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound profile of the Box White is slightly duller and rounder. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx also incorporates the proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, this "boba plastic" contributes to a rich and deep sound profile with a soft and plush feel. The U4Tx's bottom housing adds to its overall smooth and soothing typing experience.

While the Kailh Box White and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their housing materials, they share some similarities in terms of their sound profiles. Both top housings provide a satisfying sound when keys are released, with the Box White offering a sharper and crisper tone due to its polycarbonate material, and the U4Tx giving a rich and deep sound with its soft Gazzew blend. Additionally, both bottom housings contribute to a fuller sound due to their respective softer materials, nylon for the Box White and the proprietary blend for the U4Tx. Although they have distinct characteristics, both switches provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience, tailored to the preferences of different users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Kailh Box White switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force is 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kailh Box White switch may be ideal. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This could be beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions.

On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx switch due to its medium-heavy bottom out force. This provides a stronger push feel and a more satisfying tactile feedback. The actuation force of the Gazzew U4Tx switch is unavailable, but it can be assumed to offer a similar degree of responsiveness as both switches fall within the medium force range for actuation.

In summary, the Kailh Box White switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for extended periods of typing. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a heavier bottom out force, providing a more robust typing experience, although its actuation force remains unknown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches will provide a comparable typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Box White or the U4Tx, you can expect to feel the same travel distance when pressing down on the keys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box White clicky switch is widely known for its distinctive sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a crisp and clean sound, similar to the experience of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. The sound is high-pitched and resonant, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a different sound profile. It combines the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. The result is a sound that is bassy and muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, catering to different preferences.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used and potential factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is known for its sharp tactile bump. With each keypress, users will feel a distinct and intense feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer distinct and desirable qualities. The Box White provides maximum audio feedback with its crunchy sound profile and polished feel, while the U4Tx combines the best of both worlds with its refined sound and sharp tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences for sound and feel. Regardless of the decision, both switches promise to deliver an enjoyable and luxurious typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider.

Firstly, if you prioritize maximum audio feedback and enjoy the sensation of typing on a switch that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound similar to stepping on autumn leaves, then the Box White is the ideal choice for you. It offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and provides a satisfying tactile feel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner, refined sound profile that combines the deep and resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out, then the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the way to go. This switch offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and delivers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience.

When considering the sound profile, the Box White switch offers a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound when pressed. On the contrary, the U4Tx switch provides a bassy and muted sound, making it a quieter option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Box White switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Alternatively, the U4Tx switch offers a sharp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.

Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch comes down to personal preference. Consider your desired audio feedback, typing sound, and tactile feel before making a choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more