Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer distinctly different experiences catering to varied preferences. The Jupiter Red switch is a linear switch renowned for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes facilitated by a single-stage spring and a medium-heavy actuation force. Ideal for typists who relish a seamless and consistent experience, the Jupiter Red is characterized by its polished and silky feel, making it perfect for both gaming and extensive typing sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is a tactile switch that delights users with a pronounced tactile bump and a deep "thock" sound, which adds a satisfying acoustic element to the typing experience. Its stealthy top-out sound makes it a great choice for quieter environments while still providing that luxurious feel. Each switch has its own unique appeal; the Jupiter Red for those who value smoothness and consistency, while the U4Tx RGB caters to individuals who appreciate tactile feedback and an enhanced acoustic profile. 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 Jupiter Red Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$2.80 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB present a fascinating contrast in sound profiles and aesthetic appeal. The Jupiter Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of keystrokes. In environments where RGB lighting is used, the polycarbonate's clarity allows for greater illumination effects, making it a visually appealing option. In stark contrast, the U4Tx RGB's top housing features a proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic." This material exhibits a softer texture and contributes to a richer, deeper sound profile. Thus, while the Jupiter Red offers a crisper auditory experience, the U4Tx RGB provides a more rounded and full-bodied tone.

When examining the bottom housings of these two switches, both take a similar approach by incorporating nylon in the case of the Jupiter Red and a proprietary Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic," for the U4Tx RGB. Nylon is celebrated for its classic contribution to switch design, delivering a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its soft, sound-absorbing properties. This characteristic aligns closely with the use of the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx RGB, which similarly aims to achieve a rich audio experience. Therefore, both switches employ soft materials in their bottom housings, which means that while the top housing differentiates their sound profiles, the bottoms create a more uniform depth and warmth in the audible feedback during typing.

Ultimately, the differences between the top and bottom housings in both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB significantly influence the overall keystroke experience. The distinct materials of the top housings allow for varied sound profiles: the polycarbonate of the Jupiter Red grants a more pronounced and crisp auditory signal, while the boba plastic of the U4Tx RGB ensures depth and warmth. Conversely, the uniform softness in the bottom housings provides a consistent foundation for both switches, where both contribute to a rounder bottom-out feel. Consequently, while users may lean towards one switch over the other for its unique auditory feedback, they can expect a satisfying typing experience that stems from the careful selection of materials in both options, reflecting the engineers' intention to balance sound and tactile feedback.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different preferences among users. The Jupiter Red switch boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium force option. In contrast, while the U4Tx RGB does not specify its actuation force, it features a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. Consequently, the Jupiter Red is the lighter option, making it more suitable for those who favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons without excessive fatigue. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB, with its heavier bottom out force, may provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger push feel. Overall, while both switches offer a solid performance, they cater to different typing styles based on their respective force characteristics.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Jupiter Red, you’ll experience a more pronounced push as you press down a key, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel with their keystrokes. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB's shorter travel distance may offer quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, if you favor a deeper, more tactile experience, the Jupiter Red is the better choice, whereas those who prefer a snappier action might opt for the U4Tx RGB.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound characteristics, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch provides a neutral acoustic profile, balancing a moderate sound level with actuation force, making it a versatile choice suitable for varying environments, be it home or workplace settings. This neutrality ensures that the switch won't distract others during typing or gaming sessions, appealing to both beginners and experienced users. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch is renowned for its deep "thock" sound when bottoming out, complemented by a quieter "tink" upon topping out. This creates a sound profile that is rich yet subdued, offering a luxurious auditory experience without being overly intrusive, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more refined auditory feedback in their typing.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switches are characterized by their polished, creamy, silky, and mild sensations. This combination results in an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, with minimal friction and a gentle touch that provides a satisfying key press. The overall sensation is akin to gliding over the keys, offering effortless keystrokes that can be appreciated during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the U4Tx RGB tactile switch is notably different, featuring a prominent tactile bump that enhances the typing experience by providing clear feedback at the actuation point. This tactile response, paired with the switch’s unique sound profile, contributes to an engaging and pleasant typing experience, though specific descriptors for touch quality weren't detailed for this switch.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences, they shine in distinct areas: the Jupiter Reds with their smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and neutral sound, and the U4Tx RGB with their tactile feedback and rich auditory response. The choice between these switches comes down to individual priorities—whether one values a seamless typing experience without distractions or if one prefers a tactile bump paired with a luxurious sound profile. Ultimately, each switch caters to different typing styles, promising satisfactory results based on user expectations.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and usage scenarios. If you favor a smooth, polished, and creamy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice. Its medium actuation force and silky key travel make it ideal for long typing sessions, whether you're working from home, gaming, or simply enjoying a leisurely typing experience. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile and refined experience, the U4Tx RGB may suit you better. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and distinctive "thock" sound provide a satisfying feedback that can enhance your typing precision, coupled with a luxurious feel as you bottom out. This switch is particularly great for users who appreciate the tactile feedback and refined auditory cues that come from a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the decision should reflect your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and the primary tasks you perform on your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more