Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics and benefits of different options. The Gateron Glory Yellow, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and satisfying travel distance, fostering an enjoyable typing experience ideal for those who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted feel as they type or game. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switch brings a tactile experience to the table with its sharp tactile bump and plush bottom-out sensation, making it an excellent choice for users who seek feedback with every keystroke while maintaining a whisper-quiet operation. While the Glory Yellow appeals to those desiring fluid motion, the U4 caters to tactile lovers who appreciate a more pronounced physical response. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

Gazzew U4 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 Yellow switches and the Gazzew U4 switches, it becomes evident that both use materials designed to enhance the acoustic experience of typing. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due in part to its relatively soft texture. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic effect. This quality is central to the overall typing experience, as the material’s characteristics influence both the sound and feel of key presses.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 employs a proprietary “boba plastic” blend for both the top and bottom housings. While not nylon, the Gazzew blend is designed with similar goals in mind—delivering a rich and deep sound profile through its softness. This similarity in auditory output means that, even though the materials differ, the U4 switches can achieve comparable acoustic effects to the Glory Yellow switches. Both types of housing serve to provide an enhanced sound profile but do so through different formulations of soft plastic, suggesting that the overall typing experience could be similarly satisfying in terms of auditory feedback.

The interplay between the top and bottom housings in both switches further illustrates their design philosophy. For both the Glory Yellow and U4 switches, the bottom housing's material plays a significant role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, regardless of the differences in specific materials—nylon for the Glory Yellow and the proprietary Gazzew blend for the U4—the inherent qualities of softness in both cases ensure that users can expect a comparable experience in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback. Ultimately, both the Glory Yellow and U4 switches reflect a thoughtful approach to sound design in mechanical switch construction, focusing on delivering a muted yet rich auditory response.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch with the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the U4 is slightly lighter at 45 grams. This means that those who prefer a lightweight switch may find the U4 more appealing, as it requires less force to actuate. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare how much force is needed to fully press down on the switch. In contrast, the U4 has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating that it requires a moderately heavier push to bottom out, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Gazzew U4 is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force but has a heavier bottom out experience, making it suitable for those who prioritize tactile feedback and a more pronounced keystroke return, while the Gateron Glory Yellow may be better for users looking for potentially less resistance at the point of actuation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, the Glory Yellow measures 4 mm, while the U4 features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more traditional and deeper feel as you press down on the key, the Glory Yellow would likely be your preferred choice, offering more travel for a noticeable tactile response. On the other hand, if you prioritize responsiveness, especially in gaming scenarios where quicker actuation is beneficial, the U4 might be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. Consequently, the Glory Yellow provides a more pronounced depth, while the U4 offers a snappier feel, appealing to different user preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch is known for its smooth operation, although further specifics aren't provided; it's common for linear switches to produce a relatively quiet or muted sound, lacking the characteristic click of tactile or clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch excels in its sound arena with a muted and low-pitched acoustic profile. This results in a softer and more subdued sound, which may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience without the clatter commonly associated with many mechanical switches. It's important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and the keycap materials used, meaning that while both switches may have distinct profiles, the environment can trump the inherent sound qualities.

In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch provides a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, designed for a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 offers a sharp tactile feedback with a pronounced and exhilarating bump that enhances the typing experience. The uplifting feel of the U4 is complemented by a surprisingly plush bottom-out sensation that softens the impact of each keystroke. While the Glory Yellow offers a seamless and fluid feel, the U4’s tactile response caters to those who revel in the feedback of a deliberate keypress, distinguishing these two switches in terms of user preference.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gazzew U4 switches cater to different user preferences with distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Glory Yellow stands out for those seeking smoothness in their typing experience, while the U4 appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy tactile feedback with minimal sound. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize a silent and tactile typing experience or a smooth and linear one, as both switches will similarly accommodate typing without any noticeable click, which is a common choice for users aiming for quieter keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a lighter touch, the Glory Yellow might be your ideal pick, particularly if you enjoy a gentle typing experience without the added feedback of a tactile bump. This switch is excellent for rapid typing or gaming where speed and smoothness are prioritized. On the other hand, if you appreciate a pronounced tactile experience and prefer the sensation of a solid bump with each keystroke, the Gazzew U4 is likely the better option. Its medium actuation force and plush bottom-out feedback provide a satisfying feel that can enhance your typing accuracy and comfort, especially during long typing sessions. Moreover, the U4's muted sound profile is perfect for office environments or shared spaces, allowing you to enjoy the tactile feedback without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your ideal switch will depend on whether you value smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and a quieter operation.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more