Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gazzew U4Tx present two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Jupiter Red linear switch offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke characterized by its medium-heavy actuation and the silky feel that typists often crave. Its design prioritizes a seamless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value speed and consistency without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx excels in delivering a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump that adds a layer of satisfaction with each keystroke. Coupled with its deep, resonant "thock" sound upon bottoming out, this switch offers an acoustically pleasing experience that many users find enjoyable. While both switches provide unique benefits—be it the Jupiter Red's fluidity for fast typists or the U4Tx's tactile feedback for a more engaged typing experience—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$2.80 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gazzew U4Tx switches present two distinct philosophies when it comes to the materials used in their housing, especially in terms of their structural composition and the resultant sound profiles. The Jupiter Red's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a material noted for its rigidity and clarity. This choice results in a sharper, more resonant sound profile that can enhance the auditory characteristics of the switch, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated, thanks to the translucency of polycarbonate. In contrast, the U4Tx features a proprietary blend of softer plastic, often referred to as "boba plastic," which produces a richer, deeper sound signature. This inherent softness provides a more absorbent quality, significantly contrasting the sharper sounds attributed to polycarbonate.

When examining the bottom housing materials, both switches continue to showcase a divergence in their sound profiles. The Jupiter Red utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a classic choice that amplifies a deeper and fuller sound, while also contributing a more rounded auditory experience. This softer material absorbs sound effectively, creating a less pronounced and softer bottom-out sound when typing. The U4Tx, on the other hand, maintains its unique "boba plastic" blend for the bottom housing, which similarly offers a rich and deep sound profile. In this case, both switches utilize soft materials for the bottom housing, which contributes an overall consistent impact to the typist’s experience.

Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings creates a nuanced typing experience that reflects the unique characteristics each material imparts. For the Gateron Jupiter Red, the combination of a clear polycarbonate top and softer nylon bottom produces a distinctive contrast between the sharper release sound and the deeper, fuller bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx aims for a uniform richness across both stages of keypress. While both switches incorporate different top and bottom housing materials—polycarbonate versus a proprietary blend for the tops, and nylon versus a proprietary blend for the bottoms—the auditory outcomes can provide similar levels of satisfaction. By understanding these material properties, one can appreciate how each switch influences the overall tactile and auditory experience, resulting in nuanced yet enjoyable typing engagements across both options.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, which has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams but no specified actuation force, we can see some notable differences. The Jupiter Red's actuation force makes it the lighter option, appealing to those who prefer a switch that allows for longer typing sessions or agility during gaming. In contrast, the U4Tx, while also medium in terms of bottom out force, is slightly heavier at 62.5 grams, which may appeal to users who enjoy a heftier feel when typing. Since the U4Tx's actuation force is unknown, we can't directly compare it, but it's clear that the Jupiter Red provides a clear distinction in terms of lightness for actuation. Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Red allows for a lighter touch, while the Gazzew U4Tx provides a more substantial feel at bottoming out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Jupiter Red offers a deeper actuation point, which some users may find satisfying for a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the U4Tx’s shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, making it desirable for users who prioritize responsiveness and speed, such as gamers. Ultimately, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, the longer travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Red may be the better choice, whereas those seeking a swifter response might lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch exhibits a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments—be it at home or in a workplace setting. Its sound is characterized by a moderate actuation force, resulting in a key press that’s neither overly loud nor entirely silent. This balanced sound profile ensures that the Jupiter Red is versatile, providing a pleasant auditory experience without drawing excessive attention. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch delivers a more complex soundscape. It boasts a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, which simulates a richer acoustic experience, complemented by a muted top-out that minimizes noise. The combination of these qualities yields a keyboard sound that’s both pleasing and unobtrusive, catering to users desiring a more refined auditory feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red is celebrated for its polished, creamy, and silky typing experience, allowing for smooth and effortless key presses. This polished sensation translates to an almost gliding effect, where fingers can seamlessly navigate across the keys without any friction or resistance. It aims to provide a mild experience that appeals to a broad audience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx provides a distinctly sharp tactile bump with a crisp feedback that users can feel during each keystroke. This tactile response enhances the typing experience, giving users immediate confirmation of their actions, which can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation as part of their typing rhythm.

In summary, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a smooth, neutral sound and a buttery feel suitable for various users, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch stands out with its deeper, more resonant sound and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you may gravitate towards one of these switches. Ultimately, both switches provide a unique typing experience that caters to different needs, with the Jupiter Red focusing on a smooth and quiet operation, while the U4Tx emphasizes tactile pleasure and acoustic richness.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience and enjoy a neutral sound profile, the Jupiter Red is an excellent option. Its medium actuation force makes it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike, allowing for a polished and creamy feel that enhances your overall comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile and acoustically pleasing experience, the U4Tx will likely be your go-to choice. Its sharp tactile bump ensures that you’ll feel each keystroke distinctly, paired with a deep, resonant sound that adds a satisfying dimension to your typing. Additionally, its muted nature makes it suitable for quieter environments, where you still want to enjoy feedback without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value smoothness and consistency or tactile feedback and sound richness in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more