Keygeek Keylin vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role in determining which type best suits your typing style and needs. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and unimpeded keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor speed and fluidity without any tactile interference. With new molds crafted by Keygeek, the Keylin promises a premium typing experience, characterized by its rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switch offers a tactile experience that appeals to those who appreciate a pronounced feedback during typing. Known for its sharp tactile bump and plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, the U4 switch combines style with functionality while maintaining a whisper-quiet sound profile, perfect for quieter environments. While the Keylin is ideal for those who prioritize seamlessness and rapid keypresses, the U4 caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback without the noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Keygeek Keylin and the Gazzew U4 keyboards exhibit notable similarities and differences in their housing materials, contributing to the overall typing experience. Both switches utilize nylon as a core material. The Keylin's top and bottom housing is made of nylon, which is known for its softer qualities that provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. This sound quality stems from nylon's sound-absorbing properties, allowing for a more subdued auditory experience. In comparison, the Gazzew U4 incorporates a proprietary blend of plastic called "boba plastic" for its top and bottom housing. Like nylon, this blend is noted for its softness, which also contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. However, while both materials achieve similar auditory results, the specific composition of Gazzew's blend may produce distinctions in sound nuance compared to traditional nylon.

While both keyboards utilize softer plastic materials for their switch constructions, the impact of the housing configurations on the typing experience results in varying tactile sensations. For the Keylin, users experience the classic nylon characteristics throughout both the top and bottom housing. This uniformity in material enhances the consistency of sound and feel during key presses and releases. In contrast, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend introduces different acoustic properties and potentially tactile feedback when pressed. Each housing has its unique contributions: the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, thus creating a dual experience unique to the U4.

Ultimately, both the Keygeek Keylin and the Gazzew U4 aim to deliver a fulfilling typing experience, albeit through different manufacturing choices. By leveraging nylon's traditional soft qualities and Gazzew's innovative boba plastic, both switches yield a deeper sound profile, though their specific characteristics may vary slightly. Users can expect a rich auditory feedback from both, yet their experiences might diverge based on personal preferences for sound and tactile interactions, making the choice between the two a matter of individual taste in switch dynamics.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying user preferences. The Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a feather-light feel for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the U4 switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer push. This means that the Keylin is the lighter option overall, while the U4 leans toward a medium weight. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on one’s typing style and comfort; the Keylin is ideal for prolonged use with less finger fatigue, whereas the U4 caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is identical, with each boasting a distance of 3.6 mm from the top to the bottom. This uniform travel distance means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and keystroke performance from both switches, allowing for a consistent typing experience. Whether you prefer the linear feel of the Keylin or the tactile feedback of the U4, the equal travel distance ensures that pressing down on either key will yield the same depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch leans toward having rich acoustics, which suggests that it likely produces a more pronounced and pleasant auditory signature compared to standard linear switches, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is designed with a muted and low-pitched acoustic quality, making it significantly quieter than many mechanical options. This subdued sound is perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check, combining the tactile experience with a whisper-quiet operation that minimizes distractions.

When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness, which is characteristic of high-quality linear switches. This smoothness contributes to a seamless typing experience, making it ideal for those who favor a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the U4 tactile switch delivers a sharp tactile bump that provides strong feedback with each keypress. This pronounced tactile feedback is designed to enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, offering a plush bottom-out sensation that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the Keylin.

In summary, both switches cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Keylin excels in providing a smooth and acoustically rich environment, while the U4 offers a tactile and quieter alternative. Depending on your typing style, either choice can provide a satisfying experience; if you prefer seamlessness and sound prominence, go for the Keylin, while those who enjoy tactile feedback and a subdued auditory profile will find the U4 appealing. Each switch delivers a unique feel and sound, ensuring that there is an option for everyone in the mechanical keyboard landscape.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider your style of typing and the kind of feedback you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth, lightweight typing experience and appreciate a quieter sound profile, the Keylin linear switch, with its 48 grams of force, is an excellent choice. The premium feel and rich acoustics will elevate your typing experience, making it particularly ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you crave a more pronounced tactile feedback and prefer a solid, plush bottom-out sensation with a bit of auditory depth, the U4 switch may be the right fit for you. Its heavier bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a noticeable response with each keystroke, perfect for users who appreciate that distinct tactile bump and prefer a quieter, yet engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for sound and feel during your keyboard usage, whether you lean towards a smooth linear experience or a satisfying tactile sensation.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more