Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gazzew U4T. These switches offer different features and experiences, catering to various typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, is beloved for its smooth typing experience and budget-friendly price point. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, its 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 U4T is a tactile switch known for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. Each keystroke on the U4T delivers both an assertive tactile feedback and a deep bassy 'thock' sound, creating a truly satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

Gazzew U4T 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 U4T differ in their housing materials, leading to variations in sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucent nature makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes called "boba plastic." This unique blend delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. The soft plastic of the U4T enhances the depth and richness of the sound produced, providing a different auditory experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top housing.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the U4T boasts a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares similarities with its top housing. This "boba plastic" blend contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, consistent with the overall auditory experience provided by the U4T.

Despite their differing housing materials, both switches offer similar sound profiles with regards to their softness. The Gazzew U4T, with its proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, achieves a rich and deep sound due to the softness of the plastic blend. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its nylon bottom housing, delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile because of the softness of nylon. Although achieved through different means, both switches offer a softer sound experience when compared to switches utilizing stiffer housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the U4T is unavailable, so it is uncertain how much force is needed to activate this switch. Moving on to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more tangible and substantive typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Conversely, the U4T boasts a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option. This additional force required to fully depress the keys could be preferred by individuals who enjoy the sense of "typing with authority." Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for users seeking a smoother and lighter typing experience, while the U4T presents a medium bottom out force for those desiring a more substantial and forceful keystroke.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying feel when typing or gaming. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Red or the U4T, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is known for its neutral profile. This means it has a moderate sound level and is suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or using it for work or at home. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile. This means it produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness of bass tones. Additionally, it provides a satisfying thocky sound when pressed and released. Of course, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky. These qualities combine to provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground, making it approachable for most users. It also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump. This means it offers a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red provides a neutral sound profile, while the U4T offers a bassy thock sound. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, while the U4T provides a sharp tactile bump. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience. depending on personal preferences. However, it's important to keep in mind that individual preferences can vary, and it is recommended to try out different switches to find the one that suits you best.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a balance of responsiveness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is a great choice. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a comfortable typing feel without requiring too much force. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that embodies a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a more medium feel. The U4T switch provides an assertive tactile feedback and a bassy thock sound profile, making every keystroke provide auditory and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile and creamy, mild, polished, or silky feel with the G Pro 3.0 Red, or a bassy, thocky sound profile and sharp feel with the U4T, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more