Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Presenting two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx, both offering unique features and advantages for keyboard enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, belonging to Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, provides an economical solution without compromising on quality. With a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, this switch boasts a gentle bump that enhances typing flow without overpowering it. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. The medium-high pitch of the G Pro Brown also adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches marry the best of both worlds by combining the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of topping out. These switches offer a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, providing a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. Both switches have unique characteristics 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx, it is clear that they have different compositions. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize clear and defined sounds. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend produces a rich and deep sound, thanks to its softness. While both materials aim to deliver pleasing auditory experiences, the G Pro 3.0 Brown focuses on clarity while the U4Tx prioritizes depth.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Brown employs a nylon material, which is known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing, ensuring a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In terms of sound production, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the U4Tx offer similar outcomes, thanks to their soft housing materials. The emphasis on absorbing sound creates a pleasing typing experience for users who enjoy a mellower sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings of a switch can have distinct impacts, it is important to note their roles in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. With the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when letting go of a key. With its polycarbonate top housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile upon key release. Similarly, the Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing allows for a distinct sound when keys are released, providing a unique auditory experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the U4Tx's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, providing a satisfying tactile feedback without being too heavy. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the U4Tx's bottom out force of 65 grams, making the U4Tx slightly heavier in terms of pressing all the way down.
Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. Those who desire a more substantial typing feel, requiring a stronger push, may gravitate towards the U4Tx, with its slightly heavier force. In terms of actuation force, it is worth noting that while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's force is known at 55 grams, the U4Tx's actuation force information is unavailable, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, both switches offer a satisfying tactile feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown being slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience will influence their choice between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be more traditional. On the other hand, the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the U4Tx.
For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the U4Tx may be preferred. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. However, it is important to consider personal preference as well. Some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its longer travel distance may be a better choice.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
The Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a medium-high pitch and a satisfying auditory feedback. It delivers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump that doesn't overpower your typing flow. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are known for their cleaner and refined sound profile. When typing on them, you can expect a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. These switches provide a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is as acoustically pleasing as it is tactile. While the specific sound qualities are not provided for the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch, both switches are designed to offer an enjoyable auditory experience while typing.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press with a gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the switch make it approachable to most users, providing a safe middle-ground typing experience. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is also described as having a stepped feel, offering a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity. Each keypress on the U4Tx switch provides a distinct and prominent tactile presence. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch focusing on ease of use and comfort, while the U4Tx switch provides a sharper and more intense tactile feedback.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch and the Gazzew U4Tx switch offer different subjective qualities that can cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch, offering an enhanced typing experience with its easy-to-press feel and stepped tactility. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch combines a deep, resonant "thock" sound profile with a whisper-quiet topping out, providing a sharp and satisfying tactile bump. The U4Tx switch offers a sharper tactile feedback compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch. However, it's important to note that both the sound and feel of a switch may also depend on factors such as the keyboard's construction, keycap material, and the typing style of the user. Overall, depending on your personal preference, these switches can provide enjoyable and immersive typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize an economical solution without compromising on quality and want a delightful and subtle tactile sensation that won't overpower your typing flow, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 63 grams and frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting, it offers an immersive visual experience. Additionally, its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback, adding joy to your typing sessions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and refined sound profile when typing, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the superior option. These switches marry the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out, creating a unique and acoustically pleasing typing experience. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the U4Tx offers a sharp and strong tactile bump with each keypress.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you value a gentle and low-impact typing feel with easy-to-press switches, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a sharper and more intense tactile feedback during key presses, the U4Tx is the way to go. Consider your typing style and the overall typing experience you desire to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.