Gateron Melodic vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Gazzew U4T stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience. The Gateron Melodic is revered for its classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, thanks to advancements such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T offers a unique blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing users with a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with every keystroke. While the Gateron Melodic is praised for its buttery and resonant feel, the Gazzew U4T is known for its bassy and thocky profile. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, but ultimately the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and Gazzew U4T both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the Melodic's top housing is stiffer and more resonant, the U4T's top housing provides a softer and more mellow typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Melodic uses a nylon housing which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Similarly, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of their bottom housing materials, providing a unique typing experience for users.
Overall, while the Melodic and U4T switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom housing components, they both aim to enhance the sound profile of the switches. The Melodic focuses on a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the U4T offers a richer and deeper sound with its proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing. Both switches provide a unique typing experience that can be attributed to the specific qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it becomes evident that there are some notable differences. The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is very light when initiating a keypress. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch also has an actuation force of None grams, however, it has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, making it more substantial when fully pressing down a key. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy category, but the Gazzew U4T is slightly heavier overall. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gateron Melodic switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience may opt for the Gazzew U4T switch for a firmer push feel. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique tactile feedback and performance that cater to varying user preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally responsive when typing. This means that whether you choose the Melodic or the U4T, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation, making them both great choices for those looking for a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, providing a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp tone reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper, richer tone resembling a bass tone with a deep and satisfying thud when pressed and released. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preference for pitch and richness in sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch is described as sharp, offering high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress. Individuals will appreciate the different tactile feedback profiles provided by each switch, allowing them to select based on their preference for a smooth and uniform feel or a sharp and intense tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel experiences for users to enjoy. The Melodic provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, while the U4T delivers a bassy and thocky sound with a sharp tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound pitch and richness, as well as tactile feedback intensity, you can choose between the two switches to enhance your typing experience. It is important to consider other factors such as keyboard choice and keycap selection to further customize the overall typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a resonant and buttery typing experience with a higher-pitched and clean sound profile, the Melodic switch may be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy and thocky sound with sharp tactile feedback that provides a satisfying keystroke sensation, the U4T switch would be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you find most enjoyable, whether it be the classic clicky feel of the Melodic or the harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility offered by the U4T.
Mentioned in this article
