Durock Light Tactile vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between different types can often be overwhelming. Two popular options to consider are the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew U4. On one hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility and pleasing sound signature, offering a welcome alternative to the sharper tactile switches commonly found on the market. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', this switch provides an angelic tactility that exudes a jelly-like feel when typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch offers a different experience altogether. Known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the U4 provides an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. With a sound profile that is whisper quiet, the U4 switch is categorized as 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', and 'Sharp'. While these generalities can help point you in the right direction, let's dive deeper to fully explore the nuances of each switch, enabling you to make the best decision for your keyboard needs.

By the numbers

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Light Tactile excels in offering a sharp, high-pitched sound profile due to its polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic provides a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a crisp typing experience. Additionally, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its softness. While it may not offer the same sharpness as the Light Tactile, the U4 is geared towards users seeking a more rounded and fuller typing sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Light Tactile employs a nylon material, known for producing a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a slightly duller but rounder sound when typing on the switch. Conversely, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, akin to "boba plastic." This material contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, similar to the U4's top housing. The softness of the blend enhances the typing experience, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound.

When it comes to pressing down and releasing keys, the specifications of the top and bottom housings become crucial. The Light Tactile's top housing, constructed from polycarbonate, significantly impacts the sound when a key is released. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a distinct sound profile in this scenario. Meanwhile, the bottom housing, made of nylon, influences the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing a key. Users can expect a deeper and fuller typing experience with the Light Tactile. Similarly, the Gazzew U4 splits these qualities between its top and bottom housing. The softness of the Gazzew blend top and bottom housings collectively contribute to the overall rich and deep sound profile, providing an enjoyable typing sound while pressing and releasing keys. Though the specific materials differ, both switches result in a satisfying typing experience with nuanced differences in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Durock Light Tactile requires 52 grams of force, while the Gazzew U4 requires slightly less at 43 grams. This indicates that the U4 has a lighter actuation force than the Light Tactile. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Light Tactile has a higher force of 67 grams compared to the U4's 62 grams. This means that the Light Tactile is slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter feel may find the Gazzew U4 to be more suitable for their typing needs. With its lower actuation force, it allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive strain. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push, the Durock Light Tactile may be the better choice. Its higher actuation force and bottom out force provide a firmer and more tactile typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gazzew U4 has a lighter actuation force but a similar bottom out force to the Durock Light Tactile. While both switches offer a medium level of force, the U4 provides a slightly lighter overall feel, whereas the Light Tactile offers a heavier and more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences and intended usage.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Light Tactile falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the U4 is on the shallower side with a 3.6 mm distance. However, it is worth noting that both options provide a significant tactile feedback when pressed.

If you are a gamer or someone who values faster response times, you might prefer the shorter travel distance of the U4 switch as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial and deep feel when typing, the Light Tactile with its longer travel distance may be more to your liking. It is all a matter of personal preference and what you value most in a tactile switch.

It is important to mention that both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, ensuring that you have a pleasant typing experience regardless of the travel distance. So whether you choose the Light Tactile or the U4, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile sensation provided by these switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a refreshing change from the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. When typing on these switches, users can expect an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch delivers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing a more intense feedback experience. Additionally, the U4 switches offer an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and possess a sound profile that is whisper quiet, creating a stylish yet subtle typing experience.

Comparing the sound qualities, the Light Tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and regardless of the environment they are using the keyboard in. On the other hand, the U4 switch is specifically recognized for its muted sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular or clacky switches. Furthermore, the U4's sound profile is low-pitched, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.

Considering the feel of the switches, the Light Tactile switch offers a mild typing experience with its gentle characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches fall within a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable for most users. Additionally, the Light Tactile switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience, thanks to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the U4 switch provides a sharp tactile bump, known for its high feedback intensity, delivering a strong and crisp tactile sensation with each keypress.

In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch distinguishes itself with its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature, offering a unique typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a sharper tactile bump, a felt-like bottom-out sensation, and a whisper-quiet sound profile, creating a stylish and subtle typing experience. While the two switches have contrasting characteristics, users can attain similar results with respect to feel and sound depending on their individual preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a gentle and jelly-like tactile feel, along with a neutral sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a medium-heavy typing experience that is approachable to both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch offers a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a muted and low-pitched sound profile, the Gazzew U4 switch would suit you well. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a medium typing experience and a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4 switch's sharp and crisp tactile bump offers a high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with every keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences for tactile feel and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more