Cherry MX Brown vs. Gazzew U4Tx

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 U4Tx. The Cherry MX Brown switches are renowned for their subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches combine the best of both worlds, providing a cleaner, refined sound profile. With a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out, each press on the U4Tx switches delivers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and benefits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$4.00 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx both use different housing materials, but they share similar characteristics in terms of sound profile. The MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softness, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gazzew U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience with regards to sound, providing a satisfying and immersive auditory feedback.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the MX Brown utilizes the same nylon material as its top housing. This further enhances the typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the U4Tx incorporates the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which continues to deliver a rich and deep sound due to its softness. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, both switches ensure that users can experience different aspects of sound and feel. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role when keys are released.

In summary, the Cherry MX Brown and Gazzew U4Tx differ in terms of their specific housing materials, yet they achieve comparable sound profiles. The MX Brown employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx utilizes the proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housings, providing a similar softness and producing a rich and deep sound profile. Ultimately, whether you opt for the MX Brown or the Gazzew U4Tx, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively light when compared to the U4Tx, which unfortunately has an unknown actuation force. This lighter actuation force in the MX Brown allows for faster and smoother keystrokes, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Brown requires 55 grams of force, while the U4Tx demands a heavier 65 grams. This means that typing on the U4Tx will feel more substantial, as it requires a stronger push to fully press down the keys. For those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of the U4Tx might be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the weight of a switch is a personal preference, and depending on the user's typing style and preferences, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of performance and functionality.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see that there is a slight difference. The MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the MX Brown falls on the longer side with 4.0 mm, while the U4Tx is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. Gamers, who typically prioritize faster response times, might prefer the shorter travel distance of the U4Tx. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the 4.0 mm travel distance of the MX Brown may offer a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cherry MX Brown and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.

Starting with sound, the MX Brown switches are best described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. They provide a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches also offer a bassy sound profile but with a muted characteristic. This means that the U4Tx switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety. They offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel might be preferred by some users while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches provide a sharp tactile feel. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominent and easily felt with each keypress. The high feedback intensity of the U4Tx switches enhances the typing experience, ensuring a satisfying tactile response.

In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Brown switches provide a subtler typing experience with a bassy sound profile and a textured feel. Meanwhile, the U4Tx switches offer a refined sound profile, with a bassy and muted sound, as well as a sharp tactile feel. Choosing between these two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, it is worth noting that both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback during typing, ensuring a pleasant and luxurious typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentler tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a subtle and relatively light typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more refined and acoustically pleasing typing experience, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the better choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a sharp and satisfying tactile bump coupled with a cleaner, refined sound profile. Each keypress delivers a deep "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Additionally, the U4Tx switches have a more muted sound profile compared to the MX Brown, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the decision between the MX Brown and U4Tx switches will depend on your preference for typing experience, including the level of tactility, sound profile, and bottom out force that suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more