Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gazzew U4T presents two distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Glory Yellow, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and optimal travel distance, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and a silky typing feel without any tactile bumps. Its heavier actuation provides stability, appealing to those who prefer a solid and consistent response. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T is a tactile switch that offers a unique combination of a bassy 'thock' sound and assertive tactile feedback. This switch caters to users who enjoy a more sensory typing experience, where each keystroke delivers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. While the Glory Yellow leans towards a seamless, linear typing experience, the U4T captivates with its pronounced thockiness and sharp tactile engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gazzew U4T switches utilize different materials for their housing, which influences their sound and feel during use. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its classic properties of delivering a rich and full sound profile. Nylon's soft texture allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, which facilitates a duller and rounder auditory experience. This characteristic ensures that both the initial press and the release of the key produce a uniform sound profile, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience.

In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switches use a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing, commonly referred to as "boba plastic." This material is designed to create a rich and deep sound profile as well, benefiting from its softness akin to nylon. Although the specific blend differs from standard nylon, the effects of the housing materials share some similarities. Both switches leverage the soft qualities of their materials to generate a muted sound when bottoming out and releasing keys, helping achieve a fuller auditory experience during typing sessions.

Despite their different materials, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gazzew U4T can yield similar sound profiles due to the inherent qualities of their respective housing materials. While the nylon of the Glory Yellow provides a traditional typing sensation, the boba plastic of the U4T offers a modern twist with a focus on sound dampening and acoustic richness. Users can expect to enjoy a comparable typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch, as the effects of each housing material, while distinct, are aimed at achieving a similar goal of enhancing the overall auditory enjoyment during use.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, which can offer a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, its bottom out force is unknown, leaving us without a measure of how it feels when pressed fully. In contrast, the U4T has an undisclosed actuation force but features a bottom out force of 65 grams, which suggests a medium-heavy push. This heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Due to this discrepancy, the Gateron Glory Yellow can be considered the lighter switch, while the Gazzew U4T provides a heavier, more pronounced feedback upon bottoming out. Overall, if the actuation force of the U4T were available and found to be lighter, users could expect a typing experience more akin to the Glory Yellow; however, with the current data, the heavier U4T is designed for those who appreciate a firm keystroke.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience an identical distance in key travel. Consequently, this similarity in travel distance suggests that their overall responsiveness and feel during typing can be quite comparable, providing a consistent experience regardless of the switch type.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow presents a smooth and relatively muted auditory profile, allowing for a more subtle typing experience. This can lead to a quiet environment, ideal for those who desire a less intrusive noise level during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T offers a strikingly different acoustic experience, characterized by a bassy and thocky sound profile. This combination results in a deep, rich sound that resonates with each keystroke, delivering both auditory delight and a satisfying presence that can enhance the overall typing feel.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Yellow switch features a notably smooth keystroke, which contributes to an enjoyable and fluid typing experience. This smoothness tends to minimize any hindrance during rapid typing, making it a fantastic choice for users who prioritize speed and ease of movement over tactile feedback. On the other hand, the U4T is defined by its sharp tactile response, providing a pronounced and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with every keypress. This assertive tactile feedback creates a dynamic interaction that can be quite engaging for those who appreciate a more responsive feel in their switches.

In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gazzew U4T switches serve different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. While the Glory Yellow offers a smooth and quieter typing experience, ideal for those seeking a less obtrusive sound, the U4T excels in providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction with its bassy and thocky profile accompanied by sharp feedback. Each switch brings its unique qualities to the table, allowing users to select the attributes that best suit their typing habits.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you're seeking. If you're in the market for a switch that offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, ideal for fast-paced gaming or marathon typing sessions, then the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice. Its effortless travel makes it particularly appealing to those who favor speed and responsiveness without the distraction of tactile feedback. Conversely, if you desire a more dynamic typing experience with satisfying tactile and auditory feedback, the U4T would be your go-to option. Its pronounced tactile bump and thocky sound profile provide not just an engaging feel but also a delightful auditory experience that many typists crave. Therefore, consider how you intend to use your keyboard; whether it's for gaming, typing, or a combination of both, aligning your choice with your needs will enhance your overall enjoyment.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more