Gateron Melodic vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preferences, the Gateron Melodic and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB each offer distinct advantages that cater to different styles. The Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, is celebrated for reinvigorating the classic clicky experience with advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, allowing for a buttery, resonant, and crunchy sound while maintaining a satisfying level of smoothness. This makes it an enticing choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback and a nostalgic typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is a tactile switch that stands out for its deep "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a quiet topping out, resulting in a muted and bassy sound profile. Its sharp tactile bump is designed for those who seek a refined typing experience without intrusive noise. Both switches present compelling benefits, appealing to different user needs; 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 U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Melodic and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This stiffer material offers a clearer resonance, enhancing the auditory feedback when keys are pressed. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for users who appreciate crispness in their typing experience, particularly when combined with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB uses a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which delivers a softer sound profile. This softness contributes to a richer and deeper auditory experience, resulting in a sound that is more muted and rounded.

Looking at the bottom housings, the Melodic employs nylon, which is a traditional choice in keyboard switches. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a fuller and duller sound profile, which complements the sharper quality of the polycarbonate top. This combination creates a balance in sound, as the nylon bottom emphasizes the bottom-out sound and feel without overshadowing the acute feedback of the top. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing also features the same proprietary "boba plastic" blend found in its top housing. This consistency implies that both the top and bottom of the U4Tx RGB contribute to a unified sound profile, reinforcing the rich auditory experience that the switch is designed to deliver.

In essence, while the material compositions of the Gateron Melodic and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches differ, the result of each is a unique sound profile that caters to different typing preferences. Users who favor a brighter and sharper response may gravitate towards the Melodic, while those who prefer a softer and richer sound may find the U4Tx RGB more appealing. If one were to mix the two by using a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom or vice versa, they could achieve similar results by tuning the switch's sound characteristics, creating a blend that showcases the best aspects of both materials. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches reflects a personal preference for either a crisp or a deep auditory feedback during typing.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, both switches have unspecified actuation forces, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in that regard. However, when considering their bottom out forces, the Melodic switch requires 60 grams, categorized as medium, while the U4Tx RGB requires 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This indicates that the U4Tx RGB switch is slightly heavier than the Melodic switch, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feedback. Conversely, those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions might find the Melodic switch more accommodating, as it requires slightly less force to bottom out. Thus, while both have their advantages depending on user preference, the Melodic manages to provide a lighter experience overall compared to the U4Tx RGB.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we find that the Melodic has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx RGB measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Melodic the longer option, providing a more traditional and hearty feel, which can be appealing to users who appreciate deeper key presses. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the U4Tx RGB may offer quicker response times, making it a preferable choice for gamers seeking swift actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference: if you enjoy a more pronounced depth, the Gateron Melodic is the better fit, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB caters to those who favor a more responsive, albeit shallower, keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Melodic switch delivers a resonant and crunchy auditory experience, characterized by its high-pitched, clean, and sharp notes reminiscent of stepping on crunchy leaves. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy the classic clicky switch sound, providing an immersive auditory feedback that can be both satisfying and attention-grabbing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a muted yet bassy sound profile. While it minimizes the clatter typical of mechanical keyboards, it retains a depth that feels luxurious during use. The combination of deep thock and subdued topping out results in a more refined auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer quieter yet rich sounds.

When it comes to feel, the Melodic switch stands out for its buttery smooth keystrokes, promoting a fluid and effortless typing experience that many will find pleasurable. The seamless motion allows typists to glide from key to key with little resistance, enhancing the overall enjoyment of typing. The U4Tx RGB switches do not have a specified feel quality noted, leaving us with limited information on their tactile feedback. However, the sound description does imply a sharp tactile bump that may contribute to a distinct, luxurious typing sensation.

In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a vibrant auditory experience and a buttery smooth feel while providing a traditional clicky key response that many typists love. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch presents a more muted yet bassy sound profile, appealing to those seeking a quieter typing experience while potentially offering a refined tactile sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to choose according to their specific inclinations, but if you seek similar results in terms of sound quality, it's essential to consider the keyboard and keycaps used with either switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, consider what experience you prioritize in your typing or gaming environment. If you are drawn to a clicky sound profile with a distinct auditory feedback, the Melodic switch may be your ideal choice; its notable resonant and crunchy sounds emulate that satisfying crunch of autumn leaves, which can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a nostalgic, vintage keyboard feel. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it great for extended typing sessions without feeling too demanding. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued yet richly satisfying feedback, the U4Tx RGB may be more suited to your preferences. With its deeper "thock" sound and well-defined tactile bump, this switch offers a luxurious typing experience, enhanced by its medium-heavy force of 65 grams that demands a bit more exertion, potentially appealing to those who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke. Additionally, the U4Tx RGB's muted and bassy sound profile is beneficial in shared or quiet environments, allowing you to enjoy mechanical keyboard mechanics without disrupting those around you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you value the clicky, vibrant energy of the Melodic or the refined, stealthy satisfaction of the U4Tx RGB during your typing journeys.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Melodic Clicky

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more