Cherry MX Brown vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Cherry MX Brown and the Gazzew U4. The Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches provide a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while also delivering an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Additionally, the U4 switches boast a whisper quiet sound profile. While these general descriptions give us a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Gazzew U4 switches differ in terms of their composition. The MX Brown features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for its softer nature and its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the U4 switches incorporate a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing. This unique plastic blend, also known as "boba plastic," is praised for its softness and its ability to produce a rich and deep sound profile. Therefore, while both switches have a soft housing material, the Gazzew U4's blend offers a distinct sound experience compared to the MX Brown's nylon material.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of both the Cherry MX Brown and the Gazzew U4 aim to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, which is used in the MX Brown's top and bottom housing, absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a more muted sound when pressing down on the keys. Similarly, the Gazzew U4's proprietary plastic blend exhibits a softness that contributes to its rich and deep sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, while the specific materials may differ, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound characteristics, making them suitable choices for individuals seeking a quieter typing experience.
It is worth noting that in switches where the top and bottom housings vary, such as the Cherry MX Brown and the Gazzew U4, the characteristics of each housing material play a role in different aspects of the switch's performance. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as its impact and sound when bottoming out, become more noticeable. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when the key is released. Hence, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and the Gazzew U4 housing materials may depend on an individual's personal preference in terms of the desired sound profile during typing or gaming activities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the MX Brown is slightly lighter compared to the U4. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, both of which fall into the medium-light category. On the other hand, the U4 has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which classifies it as a medium-weight switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Brown may be a suitable choice as it allows for extended typing sessions without as much fatigue. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who use their keyboard for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the contrary, the U4 provides a slightly heavier push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience to those who prefer it. The higher bottom out force on the U4 can offer a satisfying tactile feedback during keystrokes, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a more pronounced typing feel.
Although the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, both the MX Brown and U4 tactile switches provide a tactile feedback. Therefore, regardless of the specific force required, users can expect similar results in terms of experiencing a distinct tactile response during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the MX Brown and U4 will depend on personal preferences for typing feel, with the MX Brown being a lighter option and the U4 offering a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The MX Brown provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who like a deeper and more substantial key press. On the other hand, the U4 offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. Shorter travel distances have become popular in recent times for their improved responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer tactile feedback and can provide satisfying results, albeit with slightly different travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, whereas the Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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 Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtle and quiet typing experience. The sound produced can be described as bassy, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The tone of the U4 switches is also low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their relatively light typing experience and gentle tactility. They offer a textured feel, which means there is noticeable friction when the switches are pressed. This subtle texture may be preferred by some users, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches provide a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. The feedback intensity of these switches is high, with a distinct and prominent tactile bump felt with every keypress.
Overall, the Cherry MX Brown switches and Gazzew U4 switches offer different subjective qualities. The MX Brown switches provide a subtler typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. In contrast, the U4 switches offer a sharper tactile bump and a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4 switches also have a whisper quiet sound profile. Depending on personal preferences, one may prefer the subtlety and lightness of the MX Brown switches, while others may enjoy the sharpness and distinct feedback of the U4 switches. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, and depending on the choice of board and keycaps, one can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a lighter typing experience and gentle tactility, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a subtle tactile feedback and a relatively quiet typing experience. They also have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, which can be pleasing to the ear. However, if you prefer a more exhilarating tactile bump and a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be more suitable for you. These switches provide a sharper tactile feedback and a whisper-quiet sound profile. They also have a muted and low-pitched sound, which adds to their overall unique character. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. Whether you choose the MX Brown or the U4, both switches offer their own distinct qualities and can enhance your overall typing experience.
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