HMX FJ400 vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth exploring are the HMX FJ400 and the Gazzew U4Tx. The FJ400 is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, providing a smooth typing experience ideal for those who prefer the consistent feel of linear switches. Its middle-ground nature within the HMX Film switch lineup makes it a versatile choice for gamers and typists alike, seeking a seamless and quiet keystroke without distractions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a distinctive tactile experience that brilliantly melds both sound and feel. With its deep, resonant “thock” on bottom-out and whisper-quiet action on release, the U4Tx is ideal for users who value an engaging tactile feedback alongside a sophisticated auditory profile. This switch's sharp tactile bump ensures a premium typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a bit of extra feedback in their keystrokes. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX FJ400 Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX FJ400 and Gazzew U4Tx switches showcase distinct yet complementary materials in their housing designs, aimed at offering unique auditory experiences. The FJ400 utilizes a POM plastic for its top housing, which is noted for producing a sound profile that is deep and muted. This characteristic enhances the acoustic qualities of the switch, making it appealing to users who prefer a sound that is rich but not too sharp or jarring. In contrast, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," for its top housing. Like the FJ400’s POM, this blend also contributes to a soft sound, creating a similarly deep audio profile that resonates well with the user. While both housing materials prioritize a muted sound, the POM provides a slightly more classic feel, while the Gazzew blend injects a modern touch to the acoustic experience.

Turning to the bottom housing, both switches employ materials that focus on enhancing sound absorption and warmth. The FJ400 incorporates nylon, a well-regarded choice in mechanical switches known for producing a fuller, deeper audio signature. Nylon’s softer nature contributes to a duller sound that can elevate the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx also utilizes its proprietary blend for the bottom housing, which mirrors the nylon's properties, providing a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Therefore, both switches are designed to absorb sound efficiently, contributing to a pleasant auditory result, yet the choice of nylon for the FJ400 emphasizes a traditional approach, while the U4Tx’s unique blend marks a contemporary innovation.

In terms of the overall impact of the materials on the typing experience, the FJ400 and Gazzew U4Tx offer similar results despite differences in their component materials. The softness of the housing materials in both switches contributes significantly to the feel and sound profile, particularly when bottoming out or releasing the keys. The nylon of the FJ400's bottom housing excels in generating a deeper sound due to its classic characteristics, while the U4Tx’s Gazzew blend provides an equivalent level of acoustic depth. As a result, users can enjoy comparable auditory experiences across both switches, with individual preferences likely swaying towards either the conventional sound of nylon or the modern innovation of the proprietary plastic blend—ultimately making both switches suitable for those appreciating a rich, deep sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the HMX FJ400 linear switch to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The FJ400 features an actuation force of 50 grams, requiring this amount of pressure to register a keystroke, while the U4Tx lacks a specified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare in that regard. However, the bottom out force of the FJ400 is 58 grams, which is lighter than the U4Tx's bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the FJ400 offers a marginally easier actuation and a lower force needed when pressing the key fully down, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where lighter switches can reduce fatigue. In contrast, the U4Tx, with its higher bottom out force, may appeal to those who desire a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Thus, for users looking for fewer physical demands, the FJ400 is the better option, while those favoring stronger feedback might gravitate toward the U4Tx.

Travel distance

The HMX FJ400 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the FJ400 offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the U4Tx, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the U4Tx, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers or those seeking a more responsive typing experience. In summary, if you prefer a deeper keypress, the FJ400 is the better choice, while the U4Tx caters to those who favor a snappier and potentially less abrupt feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX FJ400 and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, both exhibit unique qualities that cater to different auditory preferences. The FJ400 is noted for its balanced sound profile, providing a moderate auditory experience that avoids being overly loud or muted. In contrast, the U4Tx switches offer a more distinctive sound, characterized by a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, which gives it a bassy richness reminiscent of low-frequency tones. Additionally, the U4Tx features a muted quality when topping out, resulting in a quieter sound overall. This combination creates a refined auditory experience that is more pronounced than the FJ400, appealing to those who appreciate a richer and less intrusive auditory environment.

In terms of tactile feel, the FJ400's qualities remain unspecified, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the U4Tx shines with its sharp tactile feedback. The key feature of the U4Tx is its strong and crisp tactile bump that provides clear, distinct feedback with every press. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile response that reinforces the act of typing. If the FJ400 were to provide a similarly satisfying tactile experience, it would likely appeal to users who prefer an engaging typing sensation, although the specifics of its feedback remain unknown.

In conclusion, both the HMX FJ400 and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the FJ400 provides a balanced sound profile likely suited for those seeking a moderate auditory experience, the U4Tx excels with its bassy, muted sound and sharp tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more acoustically rich and tactilely engaging typing experience. Overall, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, as they cater to different aspects of the mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences and typing habits. If you’re someone who favors a smooth, consistent keystroke with a balanced sound profile, the FJ400 could cater to your needs perfectly. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams makes it a versatile option, ideal for avid typists and gamers seeking a reliable and less distracting experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a tactile experience with a pronounced feedback mechanism, the U4Tx is designed for you. With its slightly higher actuation force of 62.5 grams and that rich "thock" sound upon bottoming out, this switch excels at delivering a satisfying tactile bump that enhances typing pleasure. Moreover, its muted yet resonant acoustic profile ensures you get a deeper, bassier sound without overwhelming the surrounding environment. Thus, if you value both tactile feedback and sound refinement, the U4Tx is the superior choice for a luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you find enjoyable—be it the smoothness of the FJ400 or the tactile delight of the U4Tx.

Mentioned in this article

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more