Durock Light Tactile vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew U4T offer unique experiences for users seeking a tactile switch. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches prevalent on the market. Typing on these switches elicits an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts excel in merging thockiness with sharp tactility. With a bassy thock sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, each keystroke on the U4T offers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. The Light Tactile switch can be categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, while the U4T falls into the bassy, thocky, and sharp category. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew U4T switches offer distinct differences in sound profile and durability. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound when typing. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique blend produces a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Light Tactile focuses on creating a more precise and resonant sound, the U4T aims to provide a deeper and fuller audio experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Light Tactile incorporates nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the U4T also uses its proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, this blend offers a softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. Both switches prioritize delivering a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different approaches to achieving it.
In terms of the overall feel when using these switches, the impact of the housing materials varies. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Thus, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing will have a significant impact on the overall tactile feedback. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the material used for the top housing will contribute to the particular sound signature associated with each switch. Despite their differences, both the Light Tactile and the U4T switches offer unique and desirable qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, providing a medium-heavy push feel, while the U4T's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Light Tactile requires 67 grams of force, which is also medium-heavy. On the other hand, the U4T has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls within the medium range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile may be a better choice due to its lower actuation force. This allows for extended typing periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, those who desire a more substantial and stronger push feel may opt for the Gazzew U4T, as it has a slightly heavier bottom out force. However, it is important to note that the exact actuation force of the U4T is unknown, so it is difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. In summary, while both switches offer a medium intensity typing experience, the Light Tactile is slightly lighter, while the U4T's force remains undisclosed.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Thus, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
The Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature. When typing on these switches, users can expect a smooth and angelic tactile experience with a soft and mellow sound profile. The Light Tactile switch provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you use the switches at home or work.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With every keystroke, users can enjoy an assertive tactile feedback combined with a bassy 'thock' sound profile. These switches provide a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." The U4T switch is considered sharp tactile, meaning it has a higher feedback intensity, and users can distinctly feel the tactile bump with each keypress.
While the Light Tactile and U4T switches have different sound and feel profiles, it's important to note that other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a smooth and mellow typing experience with a neutral sound, the Light Tactile switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more intense tactile feedback and a deep, satisfying sound profile, the U4T switch would be a great option.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile and Gazzew U4T switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile provides a gentle and jelly-like tactility with a neutral sound profile, while the U4T delivers an assertive tactile feedback and a bassy 'thock' sound. Both switches have their own merits, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that offers a gentle and smooth typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile switch is a great choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams provides enough resistance without feeling too heavy, and its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature make each keystroke pleasant and satisfying. Additionally, the Light Tactile is a neutral switch, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bassy thock sound and a more pronounced tactile bump, the Gazzew U4T is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. The U4T provides auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keypress, and its sharp tactile bump is prominent and distinguished.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew U4T comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a more gentle and refined typing experience, the Light Tactile is an excellent option. However, if you enjoy a deeper, bassy thock sound and a strong tactile bump, the U4T will provide the auditory and tactile satisfaction you're looking for.
In the end, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prioritize a softer and smoother feel or a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback, both the Durock Light Tactile and the Gazzew U4T are great choices that cater to different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
