Kailh BCP vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience through mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Kailh BCP and Gazzew U4Tx can significantly shape your interaction with your keyboard. The Kailh BCP, a linear switch, is celebrated for its reimagined design inspired by the iconic Black Cherry Pies, delivering a creamy, elastic feel with a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile that many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. Its smooth actuation makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes and a lively auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a tactile, bassy feel with a refined sound that balances the deep "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet lift-off. The sharp tactile bump adds to its appeal, creating a luxurious typing experience that many find both satisfying and soothing. While the BCP might be favored for its smoothness and acoustic feedback, the U4Tx is ideal for those seeking a tactile sensation with an emphasis on sound refinement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, both models utilize notably soft plastics that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The BCP's top and bottom housings are made from nylon, a classic switch material known for its sound absorption qualities. Nylon's softer texture allows it to create a deeper, fuller sound, which enhances the auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the U4Tx employs a proprietary blend of plastics often referred to as "boba plastic." This material is similarly soft and designed to achieve a rich and deep sound profile. While the materials differ in composition, the acoustic outcomes are remarkably similar, allowing users to expect a satisfying auditory feedback from both switches.

Both the Kailh BCP and Gazzew U4Tx feature softness in their materials, which plays a crucial role in the tactile and auditory characteristics of each switch. The impact of the bottom housing on the overall typing experience cannot be understated. For the BCP, its nylon bottom housing contributes to a smooth bottom-out feel and sound, while also pairing with the softer top housing to create an harmonious acoustic experience. The U4Tx's proprietary blend also offers a gentle bottom-out feel, which aligns with the U4Tx’s top housing, ensuring that users enjoy a similarly cushioned experience when typing. Thus, while each switch uses different materials, the inherent qualities regarding feedback and sound remain consistent across the models.

Ultimately, the differentiation in materials between the Kailh BCP and Gazzew U4Tx provides a nuanced understanding of how these switches function. Each switch's top and bottom housings contribute to their overall sound and feel; the BCP utilizes nylon throughout while the U4Tx employs its unique plastic blend. The core similarity in softness means that even with differing materials, users are likely to find comparable auditory and tactile sensations when using both switches. This overlapping feature signifies that both switches are designed with the same intention of delivering a fulfilling typing experience, despite the variations in their material construction.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become quite apparent. The BCP switch features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, while the U4Tx lacks a specified actuation force, it has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, placing it in the medium range. This indicates that the BCP is the lighter option in terms of actuation and provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Users who enjoy long typing sessions may appreciate the lighter actuation of the BCP, while those preferring a firmer feel might lean towards the U4Tx for its medium bottom out force. Ultimately, for a more substantial typing experience, the Kailh BCP would be a more suitable choice, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx may fit those who favor a balanced yet noticeable tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The Kailh BCP linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the BCP switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the U4Tx. If you're looking for quicker response times, the Kailh BCP may be the better choice, as its shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive feel, which many gamers appreciate. However, for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their keystrokes, the Gazzew U4Tx with its longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus tactile depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh BCP switches are celebrated for their signature poppy and clacky profile, creating an engaging auditory feedback that many typists adore. This distinctive sound adds a lively character to the typing experience, making each keystroke feel noteworthy. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a nuanced acoustic experience. With a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, these switches deliver a richness akin to bass tones, while their muted quality ensures that topping out is whisper-quiet. This combination results in a cleaner and more refined sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate subtler audio feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer unique auditory experiences, catering to different preferences: the playful clackiness of the BCP versus the deeper, more muted tones of the U4Tx.

Regarding feel, the BCP switches are characterized by their creamy, viscous, and elastic properties. This texture provides a bouncy experience that adds to the delight of typing, allowing for a smooth and pleasurable stroke. The BCP's design ensures that users enjoy a satisfying tactile quality without the hassle of disassembly. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches excel in delivering a sharp tactile bump that enhances the typing experience with its strong and crisp feedback. This feedback is precise, allowing typists to discern each keypress sharply and distinctly, contributing to a luxurious tactile experience. While both switches have highly regarded feel qualities, the BCP stands out for its smoothness, while the U4Tx focuses on producing a pronounced tactile response.

In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and Gazzew U4Tx switches bring their own strengths to the table, particularly in their sound and feel. The BCP offers a lively, clacky sound paired with a creamy, elastic feel that many users find enjoyable. The U4Tx, conversely, features a deep, resonant sound coupled with a sharp tactile bump that promotes a refined typing experience. Each switch presents distinct qualities that can satisfy different preferences, making it essential for newcomers to consider their personal typing style and auditory tastes when choosing between them.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a typing experience that is creamy, elastic, and bouncy, along with the lively poppy and clacky sound profile, the BCP switch would be a great fit for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying resistance, making it ideal for typists who prefer a bit more weight behind their key presses. On the other hand, if you seek a refined tactile experience with a prominent and satisfying bump, coupled with a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, the Gazzew U4Tx is the better choice. With its slightly lighter actuation force of 62.5 grams and a quieter acoustic signature, it’s well-suited for those who want to enjoy a luxurious typing experience without being overly loud. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize the lively characteristics of a linear switch or the tactile feedback paired with a refined sound profile of a tactile switch.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more