Jerrzi Orange vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Orange and Gazzew U4 stand out as popular options with distinctive features. The Jerrzi Orange switches are linear and known for their clacky feel, offering a lightweight and responsive typing experience with crisp audible feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches are tactile and provide a sharp tactile bump along with a plush bottom-out sensation, creating a quiet sound profile. While the Orange switches are characterized as feathery and clacky, the U4 switches are described as muted and sharp. If you prefer a lively and responsive typing experience, the Jerrzi Orange may be the switch for you. However, if you value a quieter and more tactile typing experience, the Gazzew U4 could be the better choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Gazzew U4's proprietary plastic blend top housing. While the Orange's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile due to its stiffness, the U4's top housing, made from the Gazzew blend, delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Orange is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, given its translucency. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary plastic blend top housing offers a unique sound experience known as "boba plastic."
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Jerrzi Orange features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gazzew U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both bottom housings offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes clear that each housing material contributes its own qualities. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. In this case, the Jerrzi Orange and Gazzew U4 offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, giving users the option to choose the experience that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force of the U4 is also heavier at 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the Orange switch is not specified. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Orange switch may be the better option as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the U4 switch would be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel when typing. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making the Orange switch slightly longer in travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quick response times. The difference of only 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to the average user, but those who prefer a slightly deeper feel may lean towards the Orange switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
The Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Orange linear switches provide a clacky and lively typing experience, with a sharp and percussive sound profile that adds a sense of vibrancy to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switches offer a muted and whisper-quiet typing experience, with a low-pitched sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Orange switches provide a more audible and energetic typing experience, the U4 switches deliver a more subtle and discreet sound profile, making them ideal for environments where noise level is a concern.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Orange switches offer a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, with a lightweight actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and enhances overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switches provide a sharp and intense tactile bump, offering a distinct feedback sensation with each keypress. The U4 switches are designed to provide a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding a layer of comfort and tactility to the typing experience.
Overall, the Jerrzi Orange linear switches and the Gazzew U4 tactile switches offer contrasting typing experiences in both sound and feel. If you prefer a more lively and clacky typing experience with a lightweight feel, the Orange switches would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you value a more subdued and quiet typing experience with a sharp tactile bump and plush bottom-out sensation, the U4 switches would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summarizing the comparison between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is important to consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and clacky typing experience with a more audible feedback, the Orange switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactile bump with a plush bottom-out sensation and a quieter sound profile, the U4 switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize a lively typing experience with audible feedback (Orange) or a more subdued and tactile typing experience with a quieter sound profile (U4). Consider your preferences and needs carefully before making a decision on which switch to choose.
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