Gateron Glory Red vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can profoundly influence your overall typing experience, and two notable options are the Gateron Glory Red and the Gazzew U4Tx switches. The Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and lighter actuation force, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer rapid key presses without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a tactile experience with its sharp, satisfying bump, marrying the best of both worlds with a unique sound profile that includes the deep “thock” when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out. While Glory Reds cater to those who prioritize speed and fluidity, the U4Tx invites users who crave the tactile satisfaction and acoustics of a well-designed switch. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, both switches feature materials designed to enhance sound characteristics. The Glory Red employs a classic nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This credit goes to nylon’s softer nature, which contributes to a more subdued sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary plastic blend, often called "boba plastic," for its top housing. Similar to nylon, this blend is also characterized by its softness, which likewise promotes a rich and deep sound profile. This commonality between the materials suggests that both switches are likely to deliver a similar auditory experience at the top of the switch.

Examining the bottom housing, both switches again exhibit similar characteristics that contribute to their overall sound and feel. The Glory Red uses a nylon bottom housing that mirrors its top housing in sound absorption properties, further enhancing the switch's full-bodied acoustic profile. The U4Tx features Gazzew's boba plastic blend as its bottom housing, maintaining the same soft characteristics that aid in sound dampening. This shared property indicates that, regardless of the specific branding and composition, both materials are likely to create a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. As a result, both switches tend to produce a satisfactory acoustic experience throughout the entire keystroke.

In summary, while the manufacturing materials for the top and bottom housings differ between the Gateron Glory Red and Gazzew U4Tx switches, their inherent characteristics present a compelling similarity. Both employ soft plastics that absorb sound effectively, leading to a rounded auditory profile. Although the influence of each housing material can shift the focus of the sound during different points of actuation, the overall design philosophy behind both switches suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience marked by a deep and full sound. Whether you choose the nylon of the Glory Red or the boba plastic of the U4Tx, the resultant auditory qualities are likely to resonate similarly.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, distinct differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Glory Red has a specified actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter feel, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions as it requires less effort per keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, making it difficult to gauge the full typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which indicates a heavier feel, catering more to users who prefer a substantial typing experience, although its actuation force is also unspecified. This means that while the Glory Red is the lighter option due to its known actuation force, the U4Tx's heavier bottom out force suggests a more resistant push at the key's end. If both switch's actuation forces were known and similar, users could expect comparable overall experiences; however, based on the available data, the Gateron Glory Red is the preferred choice for lighter key presses.

Travel distance

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch both feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This identical measurement means that users can expect a similar keystroke depth and feel when pressing down on either switch. Consequently, the performance and feedback during typing will be alike, allowing for a consistent experience whether one chooses the linear characteristics of the Glory Red or the tactile sensation of the U4Tx. Since both switches are equal in travel distance, they will deliver comparable results in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch produces a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, characterized by a relatively quiet operation that minimizes acoustic feedback. This makes it a great choice for those seeking a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a more complex auditory profile. It offers a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a whisper-quiet topping-out phase. The U4Tx achieves this through its unique design, which yields a bassy and muted sound that enhances the overall typing experience while providing an enjoyable auditory element for users who appreciate acoustics in their keyboard interactions.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance, contributing to a satisfying typing experience that many users favor. However, it lacks the tactile feedback that some typists seek. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx excels in providing a sharp tactile bump that delivers high feedback intensity. Each keypress offers a distinctive and noticeable tactile response, which enhances typist confidence and satisfaction. This sharpness of the tactile bump is especially appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced, luxurious feel in their switch experience.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Gazzew U4Tx switches cater to different preferences. The Glory Red offers a smooth, quieter typing experience ideal for those who lean towards a more linear switch without tactile feedback, whereas the U4Tx provides a rich acoustic experience with distinct tactile confirmations that enhance typing satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes sound and tactility or a seamless, noiseless operation in their mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, your choice ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a smooth and effortless keystroke with a lightweight feel, the Glory Red switch will likely be your best option, particularly if you value a more fluid typing experience without any tactile resistance. This is ideal for gaming, where rapid key presses are essential, and where you might prioritize speed over tactile feedback. Conversely, if you appreciate a tactile bump with each keypress and desire a richer acoustic experience, the U4Tx is the switch for you. Its medium bottom-out force and deep, resonant sound profile make it perfect for typists who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. The U4Tx switch's ability to provide a distinct “thock” sound and sharp tactile feedback caters well to those who write a lot or prefer a more nuanced keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or tactile feedback and sound quality in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more