Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gazzew U4T. The Durock Medium Tactile is highly acclaimed for its unique tactile experience. With a pronounced yet well-balanced tactility, this switch offers a satisfying keystroke sensation. Additionally, it has a distinct jelly-like sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T prides itself on the perfect combination of thockiness and tactile feedback. Its 'thock' sound profile delivers a deep bassy tone, which enhances the auditory satisfaction while typing. The assertive tactile feedback adds to the overall tactile pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Medium Tactile and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent property of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Medium Tactile emphasizes a higher-pitched sound, the U4T focuses on achieving a deeper and more resonant tone.

In terms of the bottom housing materials, the differences between the two switches continue. The Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T employs its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing known as "boba plastic." Just like in the top housing, this soft plastic blend enhances the overall sound profile of the switch. By using the same material in both the top and bottom housing, the U4T ensures a consistent and harmonious sound experience.

Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gazzew U4T contribute to distinct sound profiles for each switch. The Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller tone. In contrast, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings create a rich and deep sound due to their softness. Therefore, depending on the desired sound experience, either switch can be chosen to achieve similar results, with the Medium Tactile emphasizing clarity and resonance and the U4T focusing on achieving a deeper and more resonant sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is worth noting that the actuation forces are both unavailable. However, the Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the U4T switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium.

Considering weight preferences, some individuals may favor a lighter actuation force, as it allows for longer typing sessions without excessive fatigue. This can be beneficial for those using a keyboard in professional environments or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel during typing, as it provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. For such individuals, opting for switches with heavier actuation forces would be more suitable.

In terms of bottom out force, both switches offer similar results, with the Durock Medium Tactile being slightly heavier at 65 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T's 62 grams. Therefore, if one desires a slightly lighter typing experience, the U4T may be the preferable choice, but if a slightly heavier keystroke is desired, the Medium Tactile switch would be suitable.

Overall, while the actuation forces are not specified for either switch, the comparison of bottom out forces allows for an understanding of their relative weights. The choice between the two switches would ultimately depend on an individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch greatly affects the typing experience, as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. As a result, pressing down on these switches will yield similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no significant difference in the travel distance between the two switches, making them equally suitable for users seeking a tactile typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile switch from Durock is known for its jelly-like sound signature. While the exact details of the sound are not explicitly mentioned, it can be inferred that the Medium Tactile offers a unique and pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is described as having a bassy 'thock' sound profile. This indicates that the U4T produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, providing auditory satisfaction to the user. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Medium Tactile switch is described as an accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactile switch. This means that the Medium Tactile offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It provides a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to its polished finish. The stepped feel of the switch adds a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump. This indicates that the U4T offers a high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The U4T switch provides a tactile satisfaction that is more assertive compared to the balanced tactility of the Medium Tactile.

Taking all the available information into account, it can be concluded that the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gazzew U4T switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile is known for its jelly-like sound signature, while the U4T provides a bassy 'thock' sound profile. In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile offers a medium tactile experience with an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. On the other hand, the U4T provides a sharp tactile bump for a more intense and distinct tactile feedback. Each switch has its own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary depending on the chosen keyboard board and keycaps.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. The Medium Tactile has a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the U4T has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium. If you enjoy a switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile is a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that embodies both thockiness and sharp tactility, providing auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke, the U4T would be the better choice. In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile offers a unique description that is currently unavailable. However, the U4T is known for its bassy thock sound profile, which delivers a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the U4T is characterized by its sharp tactile bump, offering a high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound aesthetics, and tactile feel.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more