Gateron Glory Red vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference in tactile feedback and sound profile, making the Gateron Glory Red and Gazzew U4T two appealing options for different types of users. The Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and lighter actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience, whether for gaming or prolonged writing sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, stands out with its unique blend of bassy 'thock' sound and sharp tactile feedback, delivering a satisfying auditory experience that can enhance typing enjoyment and precision. Each switch has its strengths: the Glory Red for those who seek effortless keypresses and the U4T for users who value pronounced tactile responses and sound. 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 Glory Red Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red switches and the Gazzew U4T switches both employ softer housing materials that contribute to a rich acoustic profile, yet they differ in their specific compositions. The nylon top housing of the Glory Red is indicative of traditional switch designs, known for delivering a deep and fuller sound experience due to its sound-absorbing qualities. This characteristic is a result of nylon's relatively softer structure, which helps create a rounded sound profile when typing. In contrast, the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend material often referred to as "boba plastic," which also prioritizes softness, resulting in a similarly rich auditory experience. While the names and exact compositions of these materials differ, they both effectively contribute to a warmer sound profile, suggesting that users may enjoy comparable auditory results when using either switch.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, both the Glory Red and U4T utilize materials designed to provide a similar acoustic impact. The nylon bottom housing on the Glory Red continues to promote that deeper sound profile central to its overall user experience. Similarly, the Gazzew U4T employs its unique boba plastic blend in its bottom housing, maintaining its rich sound qualities. Thus, while the materials differ in their chemical compositions, the intended outcomes remain consistent: both switches aim to offer a satisfying typing experience characterized by a muted sound, minimizing harshness and promoting a dulcet acoustic quality.

The distinct choice of housing materials in each switch highlights the nuanced characteristics of each brand while still serving the same ultimate goal of enhancing user experience. In cases where the top and bottom housings vary in material, the overall sound and feel can be influenced by the respective contributions of each component. The softer qualities of both housing materials mean that regardless of brand, users can expect a cohesive audio experience, whether they opt for the Gateron Glory Red or the Gazzew U4T. Ultimately, the similarities in sound absorption and profiles among the two materials underscore that users will likely perceive an overall comparable performance in typing feel and acoustic experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, the actuation and bottom-out forces reveal differences that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter choice for users seeking comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom-out force for the Glory Red is unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding its tactile feedback upon bottoming out. In contrast, the U4T's specifications show an unknown actuation force but a defined bottom-out force of 65 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. This suggests that while the U4T may require more force to completely depress, the absence of its actuation force makes it difficult to compare directly with the Glory Red. Overall, the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter option for actuation, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch, whereas the Gazzew U4T, with its notable bottom-out force, caters to users who enjoy a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, significant differences emerge. The Gateron Glory Red switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Gazzew U4T features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. For gamers or those seeking quick responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Glory Red may be preferable, allowing for faster key actuation. Conversely, the U4T's longer travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying during typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a swift response with a shallower feel or a deeper, more tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch remains unspecified, leaving it open to interpretation and personal experience. However, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is noteworthy for its rich, bassy thock sound, which resonates deeply during keystrokes. This satisfying auditory feedback can be attributed to the switch's construction, offering a lower frequency range that adds a certain warmth to the typing experience. The pronounced sound of the U4T enhances its tactile characteristics, making each keystroke both a visual and auditory event.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is known for providing a smooth keystroke experience, ideal for users who favor a seamless transition between key presses. This linear nature means there’s no tactile bump, making it very forgiving for rapid typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T has a distinctly sharp tactile feedback, characterized by a strong and crisp tactile bump that engages the typist with every press. This pronounced tactile sensation allows users to feel exactly when the key is actuated, which can enhance precision, particularly in typing or gaming scenarios where every keystroke counts.

In summary, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth, linear experience ideal for those who prefer an uninterrupted feel during typing, while the Gazzew U4T provides a more textured and audible experience, with its deep thock sound and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on your typing style and preference for auditory and tactile responses, each switch offers a unique experience that can cater to different users.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you're looking for a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience where the sound is not a primary concern, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation allows for effortless keystrokes, making it an ideal option for rapid typists or gamers who prefer quick, linear feedback without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch might be better suited for you. The U4T’s heavier actuation force provides a fulfilling resistance, making each keypress more deliberate, while its bassy and thocky sound adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your typing experience. In essence, choose the Glory Red for speed and fluidity, particularly in fast-paced situations, while opting for the U4T when you desire tactile engagement and a richer acoustic feedback. Your personal preference for sound and feel should guide your decision between these two distinct yet appealing switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

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Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more