Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, and the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch. These two mechanical keyboard switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The G Pro 3.0 Red boasts a budget-friendly option with a smooth typing experience. With its medium-light actuation force, it strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers an exhilarating tactile bump accompanied by a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Its whisper-quiet sound profile adds a touch of subtlety, making it ideal for those seeking a muted, low-pitched, and sharp sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gazzew U4 have different housing materials in both their top and bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the U4 boasts a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend offers a rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its softness. While both materials enhance the sound experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate emphasizes clarity, while the U4's blend delivers a more intricate and deep sound.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Red employs a nylon material. Nylon is a classic housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also utilizes the "boba plastic." This contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, similar to the top housing. Both materials bring a softer and more absorbing quality to the switch, enhancing the overall sound experience for typists and keyboard enthusiasts alike.

Although the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gazzew U4 differ in their housing materials, both switches excel in providing a remarkable sound experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the U4's proprietary blend delivers a rich and deep sound. When it comes to the bottom housings, both the nylon of the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gazzew blend of the U4 provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit with slight variations due to their individual properties. Whether you prefer a clearer and resonant sound or a more intricate and absorbing one, both switches will deliver exceptional sound quality to satisfy keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the U4's 43 grams, indicating that the U4 requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. However, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the U4's heavier 62 grams.

This means that while the G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter both in actuation and bottom out forces, the U4 provides a slightly stronger push feel when typing. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the ideal choice. This lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions.

On the other hand, the U4's heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. This can provide a satisfying and tactile response, which some may find preferable for enhanced accuracy or a more enjoyable typing experience overall.

In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offers lighter actuation and bottom out forces, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides slightly heavier forces. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Red being suitable for those who prefer a lighter and more comfortable typing experience, and the U4 catering to those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a more traditional travel distance, whereas the U4 provides a shallower option. The shorter travel distance of the U4 is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer the more substantial depth provided by the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness. Regardless of the selected switch, both options offer a noticeable travel distance that can enhance the typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is considered to have a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate level of sound, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Additionally, the U4 has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard enclosure and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is known for its creamy and mild characteristics. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gazzew U4 switch provides a sharp tactile bump, delivering a high feedback intensity with each keypress. This sharp bump is distinct and gives a satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a neutral sound profile and provides a creamy and mild typing experience, while the U4 has a muted sound profile and offers a sharp tactile bump. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it ultimately depends on the user's personal preference. However, if you are looking for a similar level of sound and feel, the U4 would provide a quieter typing experience similar to the G Pro 3.0 Red, albeit with a more pronounced tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a great choice. With its light bottom out force and frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects, it offers a satisfying auditory experience with its medium-high pitch. This switch is suitable for most intents and purposes and provides a creamy, mild, polished, and silky feel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a silent tactile switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 is the perfect option. With a medium bottom out force and a sound profile that is whisper quiet, these switches deliver a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4 switches offer a muted sound and low-pitched tones, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Gazzew U4 switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth linear typing experience and brighter RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Red is ideal. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile feedback and a more silent typing experience, the U4 switches are the way to go. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and overall feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more