Kailh BCP vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and Gazzew U4Tx RGB present two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Kailh BCP is celebrated for its innovative design that mirrors the beloved Black Cherry Pie switch, providing a creamy and bouncy feel with an engaging poppy and clacky sound profile. As a linear switch, it delivers a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for gamers who crave rapid key presses and swift actions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out with its impressive tactile feel, combining a deep "thock" sound when bottoming out with a quiet topping-off experience. This switch offers a sharp tactile bump, inviting typists who appreciate a more pronounced feedback to enhance their typing rhythm. While both switches have their unique qualities—speed and smoothness versus tactile pleasure and deep acoustics—your decision will ultimately depend on your typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh BCP and Gazzew U4Tx RGB, one of the main distinctions lies in the materials used for their housings. The Kailh BCP employs traditional nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile while also providing a softer feel under the fingers. This characteristic of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a notably rounded auditory experience when typing. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB, however, utilizes a proprietary plastic blend often dubbed "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This innovative material also boasts a soft quality, which, like nylon, contributes to a rich sound experience, albeit potentially with different tonal nuances.

While both switch designs harness the advantages of softer plastic, the nature of their respective materials brings distinct auditory experiences. In the case of the Kailh BCP, the consistent use of nylon throughout maintains a cohesive sound signature that is deep and duller, resonating well with typists who appreciate a more rounded auditory profile. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's unique plastic blend introduces a varying texture and tone, which may render a slightly different acoustic response but retains the soft impact that users enjoy. The differences in materials suggest that although both switches excel in delivering satisfying sound profiles, the nuances will vary slightly, appealing to different preferences.

Both switches demonstrate that the properties of their housing materials significantly influence the tactile and auditory feedback during use. For the Kailh BCP, the nylon’s absorption qualities ensure that both the pressing down and the release of the key are accompanied by its characteristic deep sound. Similarly, with the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, the "boba plastic" is designed to maintain a rich sound profile throughout keypresses. Ultimately, while they utilize different material compositions, both switches deliver compelling auditory experiences, showcasing how varying approaches to housing materials can lead to similar end results in terms of user satisfaction and typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces show similarity. The BCP switch has a defined actuation force of 52 grams, indicating a moderate resistance that can facilitate longer typing sessions without excessive fatigue. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB lacks a specified actuation force, making direct comparisons challenging. However, both switches exhibit medium-heavy characteristics, which suggest that users may experience a fairly similar push feel. Regarding bottom out forces, the BCP measures at 63.5 grams, while the U4Tx RGB is slightly higher at 65 grams, further emphasizing the relatively heavier nature of both switches. Overall, the BCP is the lighter option concerning actuation force, potentially appealing to those who prefer less resistance, while the U4Tx RGB leans toward a more substantial feel due to its unlisted actuation force paired with a marginally higher bottom out measurement.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we find that the BCP features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter option, offering a more responsive key press, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB’s longer travel distance may provide a more substantial tactile experience, potentially favored by users who enjoy deeper feedback when pressing a key. Ultimately, those who prefer quicker actions might lean towards the Kailh BCP, whereas individuals who appreciate a more significant key depth may gravitate toward the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP switch produces a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, which is reminiscent of mechanical switches designed to offer auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This lively sound can create an engaging typing atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch delivers a refined sound characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a more subtle, quiet sound at the top of the stroke. This results in a smoother audio experience that leans towards a more polished feel, which some users may prefer for a quieter workspace while still retaining a hint of auditory feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP switch offers a unique typing experience marked by a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation. This tactile quality provides a sense of responsiveness, making each keypress feel lively and enjoyable. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch features a sharp tactile bump, providing a luxurious typing experience. This tactile feedback is designed to enhance the typing experience with a noticeable distinction between actuation and bottoming out, appealing to those who appreciate a distinct feel while typing.

In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The BCP's poppy and clacky sound may attract those who desire an engaging auditory experience with a bouncy feel. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB's deep "thock" sound paired with a gentle tactile bump provides a quiet yet luxurious typing experience for users who favor subtlety. Ultimately, some qualities, such as sound, can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that modifications can lead to similar results across different switch types. Choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, consider your personal preferences for sound and typing experience. If you gravitate towards a delightful, bouncy feel alongside a poppy and clacky sound profile, then the Kailh BCP is your ideal choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing rhythm, making it particularly enjoyable for those who revel in a lively and expressive experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience with a distinctive tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch would be the way to go. With a similar bottom out force of 65 grams, it delivers a luxurious typing feel, characterized by a deep "thock" sound when bottoming out but remains stealthy at the top, giving you a balanced and engaging experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you seek a spirited and dynamic interaction with your keyboard or a more subtle and sophisticated typing encounter.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more