Gateron Melodic vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Gazzew U4 stand out for their unique characteristics and performance. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that brings a fresh perspective to the category, offering a blend of classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, as well as a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation that creates a whisper-quiet typing experience. While the Melodic is described as smooth, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, the U4 is categorized as muted, low-pitched, sharp. If you are looking for a switch that provides a satisfying clicking sound and tactile feedback, the Melodic may be the way to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a sharp tactile bump, the U4 could be the better choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Melodic Clicky

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Melodic's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This creates a more clear and resonant sound when compared to the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4 focuses on richness and depth.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Melodic's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing offers a rich and deep sound profile as well, thanks to its softness. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with the nylon bottom housing of the Melodic emphasizing a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4. Despite their differences in material composition, both bottom housings aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a unique sound profile.

When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switch, it is important to note how each material contributes differently. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This highlights the importance of choosing the right housing materials based on desired sound characteristics, whether it be the sharper and crisper sound of the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing or the rich and deep sound of the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Melodic switch has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the U4's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Melodic switch requires a slightly heavier force of 60 grams, while the U4 requires 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Melodic switch would be more suitable, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may lean towards the U4. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The Gateron Melodic clicky switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and pronounced keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, with its shorter travel distance, may offer a faster and more responsive typing experience, which could be preferred by gamers looking for quick input. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, providing a clean and sharp sound profile reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch presents a muted and low-pitched sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience with a more mellow tone. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, these differences in sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience.

Turning to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Melodic switch is praised for its buttery and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switch is described as sharp, providing a high feedback intensity with a distinct and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. The choice between a smoother, more uniform typing experience versus a sharper, more intense tactile feedback will depend on individual typing preferences and habits.

In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, while the U4 switch delivers a muted and low-pitched sound with a sharp and intense tactile feedback. Depending on whether you prefer a louder, more tactile typing experience or a quieter, softer one, each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, both switches are great options depending on the typing experience you are seeking.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you enjoy a classic clicky sound with smoothness and dual-railed stems, the Melodic may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent tactile switch with a sharp tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation, the U4 might be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the sound profile you prefer, whether it be resonant and crunchy with the Melodic or muted and low-pitched with the U4. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Melodic Clicky

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more