Gateron CM vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options, the Gateron CM and the Gazzew U4Tx, offer distinct features and experiences. The Gateron CM switch stands out with its full nylon housing, providing a richer, deeper sound signature that creates a unique typing journey. With an impeccable factory lube job, these switches offer an effortlessly smooth typing experience, making each keystroke feel like a graceful glide. Additionally, the lengthened, dual-staged spring of the CM switch ensures a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch combines the best of both worlds, offering a cleaner and refined sound profile. Wandering away from the conventional, the U4Tx provides a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, along with a whisper-quiet topping-out experience. Each press on the U4Tx offers a satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactically satisfying. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CM Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron CM and the Gazzew U4Tx have different materials used for their top and bottom housings. The CM utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness.

While the top housings of the CM and U4Tx differ, the bottom housings remain the same, both being made of nylon. This material choice enhances the sound profile of both switches by creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon helps to absorb more sound, resulting in a perceived difference in dullness and roundness when typing on the switches. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel.

Interestingly, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Although the CM utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound and creates a duller sound profile, compared to the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, the impact of the top housing on the sound when letting go of a key is more pronounced. This implies that the material composition of the top housing influences the sound profile during the key release, offering some distinct differences between the CM and U4Tx switches.

In summary, the nylon top housing of the Gateron CM and the proprietary Gazzew blend top housing of the Gazzew U4Tx contribute to variations in the sound profile of the switches. While both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, the differences in the top housing materials result in contrasting sound profiles when pressing and releasing keys. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the CM's nylon top housing or the rich and deep sound of the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend material, both switches offer unique characteristics for a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are a few notable differences to consider. In terms of weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, others prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Gateron CM linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, information regarding the actuation force of the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is currently unavailable, but it features a bottom out force of 65 grams, also considered medium-heavy. Therefore, while the actuation force of the two switches cannot be directly compared, both switches offer a similar heaviness when it comes to bottoming out.

Travel distance

The Gateron CM linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer distinct qualities. The CM switches are best known for their bassy sound profile, which provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This creates a satisfying and immersive typing experience, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the CM switches have a thocky sound, producing a deep and resonant "thud" when pressed and released. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches also offer a bassy sound profile, but with a muted characteristic. This means that the U4Tx switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. So, while both switches offer a bassy sound, the CM switches have a more pronounced and resonant tone, while the U4Tx switches provide a quieter and more subdued sound.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have their own unique characteristics. The CM switches are described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The smooth and refined finish of the CM switches, either due to materials used or factory lubing, results in a sleek and seamless typing sensation. The keystrokes feel effortless and uniform, like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches are described as sharp. This indicates a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. So, while the CM switches provide a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the U4Tx switches offer a more pronounced and tactile feel.

Taking into consideration the available information, it is clear that the Gateron CM linear switches and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches have their own subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM switches provide a rich and deep sound signature with a bouncy typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced and immersive typing sound. Furthermore, the CM switches offer a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing journey. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches offer a cleaner and refined sound profile with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump. They enable a quieter typing experience while still providing an acoustically pleasing sensation. So, whether you prefer a deeper and richer sound with smooth keystrokes or a more subdued sound with a pronounced tactile feel, both switches offer their own unique qualities to cater to different preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile, as well as a bouncy and graceful keystroke, then the Gateron CM linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its full nylon housing, impeccable factory lube job, and lengthened, dual-staged spring, these switches provide a bassy and thocky sound, evoking a sense of depth and richness associated with bass tones. Furthermore, they offer a buttery, polished, or creamy feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and refined sound profile, coupled with a satisfying tactile bump and a quieter typing experience, then the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the way to go. These switches marry the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. The sharp tactile bump provides a high feedback intensity, allowing you to feel the distinct bump with each keypress.

Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch will depend on your preference for sound and feel. Consider whether you prioritize a deeper and richer sound profile with a bouncy keystroke or a cleaner sound with a sharp tactile bump. Whatever your decision, both switches offer an enjoyable and luxurious typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more