Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx. Both switches offer a tactile experience, but they have their own unique characteristics that may suit different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile is celebrated for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with its accented, stepped, mild, and polished attributes. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches combine the best of both worlds by offering a cleaner, refined sound profile. With a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out, these switches deliver a luxurious and acoustically pleasing tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness allows for a more clear and resonant sound when the key is released. Additionally, the top housing's translucency is advantageous for users who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboards. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness, enhancing the auditory experience when typing.
Moving onto the bottom housing, the Medium Tactile employs a nylon material, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the U4Tx incorporates Gazzew's proprietary blend as its bottom housing material, or "boba plastic." This soft material also contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, complementing the top housing's characteristics.
It should be noted that the impact of the housing materials on the switch's overall sound and feel will depend on whether the top and bottom housings are the same or different for each switch. In this case, the Medium Tactile's top housing primarily influences the sound when keys are released, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel during keystrokes. Similarly, the U4Tx's top housing imparts its unique sound characteristics upon key release, while the bottom housing influences the tactile experience when pressing down on the switch. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx switch, it is important to note that the specific force values for actuation are unavailable for both switches. However, it is mentioned that both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which categorizes them as medium-heavy switches.
Consideration for weight is crucial when selecting switches, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer lighter switches often appreciate the ability to type for extended periods without feeling fatigued. This lighter weight is particularly advantageous for keyboards used in work environments or long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger actuation force, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. This heightened force requirement can enhance the tactile feedback and result in a more satisfying keystroke. Those who enjoy a heavier switch may find it more suitable for their personal preference and typing style.
While the specific actuation forces of both the Durock Medium Tactile and Gazzew U4Tx switches are unknown, both switches share a common bottom out force of 65 grams. This suggests that users can expect a similar key feel when pressing the switches all the way down. However, since the actuation forces are unspecified, it is not possible to determine whether the two switches will provide identical or varying results in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Overall, the Medium Tactile and U4Tx switches offer medium-heavy bottom out forces, with the actuation force remaining unknown. The choice between the two rests on individual preferences, with some favoring lighter switches for prolonged use, while others opt for heavier switches to enhance the typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Medium Tactile's travel distance falls within the more traditional range, while the U4Tx offers a slightly shallower feel. This difference in travel distance can have implications for the typing experience, as gamers, for example, may prefer the U4Tx with its shorter travel distance for faster response times. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Medium Tactile with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for either a more responsive or a more in-depth typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium Tactile for $4.25.
The Gazzew U4Tx 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. Unfortunately, the specific sound descriptors for this switch are unknown, but it is likely to produce a satisfying and tactile sound experience.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are designed for a cleaner and refined sound profile. These switches are described as having a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. They are characterized as being both bassy and muted, offering a deeper and richer sound profile while minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile is an accented, stepped, mild, and polished switch. With an accented tactility, it provides a prominent amount of tactility without overwhelming or subtlety notes. The stepped nature of the switch means it has two stages of keystroke, offering some pre-travel or post-travel feel. It also falls into the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that will be approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is described as sharp in terms of feel. This means it offers a high feedback intensity with a distinct and strong tactile bump with each keypress. The specific descriptors for this switch are limited, but it is likely to provide a satisfying and tactile feel during typing.
Considering the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile produces a jelly-like sound signature and has an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches offer a cleaner and refined sound profile with a deeper "thock" when bottoming out and a quiet topping out sound. The feel of the U4Tx is described as sharp with a distinct and strong tactile bump. Both switches are likely to provide an enjoyable typing experience, but the specific qualities of each switch cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is a perfect choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out, the Gazzew U4Tx is the switch for you. With its sharp and satisfying tactile bump, it ensures a luxurious typing experience. Additionally, if you enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by bass tones, the U4Tx is your go-to switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and quieter sound, the Medium Tactile is the better option. In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile offers an accented, stepped, mild, and polished typing experience, while the U4Tx provides a sharp and high-feedback intensity tactile bump. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your preferred sound and feel, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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