Cherry MX Orange vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch you select can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Cherry MX Orange and the Gazzew U4Tx switches. The Cherry MX Orange switches, known for their revival of the original Cherry MX Orange design, offer a linear feel that ensures a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer fast-paced gaming or minimalist typing without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches elevate the tactile experience by combining the best of both worlds, providing a sharp, satisfying bump with a deep, resonant "thock" sound upon bottoming out. Their unique design creates a whisper-quiet top-out, making them ideal for typists who value auditory feedback without the harshness of louder switches. Ultimately, the choice between the MX Orange's sleek, linear response and the U4Tx's rich, tactile experience boils down to personal preference in typing style and sound. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, both utilize soft plastics that significantly influence their acoustic properties. The Cherry MX Orange features a top and bottom housing made of nylon, a traditional switch material recognized for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This characteristic allows nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a rich typing experience that is appreciated by many enthusiasts. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx employs a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. Similar to nylon, this blend’s softness helps to achieve a rich and deep sound profile, allowing users to enjoy a comparable acoustic richness when typing.
Despite both switches utilizing soft materials to enhance their sound characteristics, the qualities of the housing materials still exhibit some distinctions. The MX Orange, with its classic nylon construction, provides a well-established and consistent sound that has been favored in the mechanical keyboard community for years. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx's unique "boba plastic" may introduce nuances due to its proprietary formulation, potentially resulting in a slightly different tactile and auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the specific tonal quality and feel might vary due to the differences in their material formulations.
Ultimately, both switches deliver a rich auditory experience shaped by their respective housing materials. Since the top housing primarily influences the sound when releasing the keys while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the combination of nylon in the MX Orange and the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx offers an intriguing exploration of sound profiles in mechanical keyboards. For users seeking deeper acoustics and cushioned feedback in their typing, both options succeed in creating similar results, ensuring a full-bodied soundscape that enhances the typing experience, despite their material differences.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch with an actuation force of 55 grams to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, we find some interesting distinctions. The MX Orange is established as the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions and intense gaming, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the U4Tx, while lacking a specified actuation force, demonstrates a heavier bottom out force. This indicates that once fully pressed, it requires a more considerable amount of force to reach its limit compared to the MX Orange. Thus, users looking for a substantial typing experience might prefer the U4Tx, whereas those seeking a lighter touch may benefit more from the Cherry MX Orange. Overall, without the complete force data for the U4Tx's actuation, a definitive comparison is challenging, but the known metrics suggest a distinctive difference in tactile experience and effort required for each switch.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch measures 3.6 mm. This makes the MX Orange the longer of the two switches, offering a more pronounced keypress that some typists may prefer for a deeper, more tactile experience. In contrast, the U4Tx, with its shorter travel distance, provides a quicker response, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster actuation during gameplay. While both switches are designed for different preferences, those who favor a more responsive feel might lean towards the U4Tx, while those who appreciate a more substantial keypress might choose the MX Orange. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on individual typing habits and preferences for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
The Gazzew U4Tx 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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Orange switch remains somewhat elusive, as specific details about its acoustic qualities weren't provided. However, we can glean from its reputation that Cherry switches generally produce a balanced sound, not overly muted or excessively loud. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches present a more nuanced auditory experience. They are characterized by a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, creating a rich bass-like quality that many enthusiasts appreciate. Additionally, their muted top-out sound enhances the stealthiness of typing, ensuring that while you get a satisfying noise during key presses, it is not disruptive, making it perfect for shared environments.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Cherry MX Orange's tactile quality is not specified; however, it can generally be inferred that it provides a smooth typing experience typical of Cherry’s linear switches. The U4Tx, on the other hand, excels with its sharp tactile feedback. Each press of the U4Tx delivers a distinct and pronounced bump, providing reliable feedback that enhances typing precision and enjoyment. This tactile intensity is designed to be felt prominently, making each keypress a more engaging experience for users who value that sensation.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch with a mature sound profile, the Cherry MX Orange may offer a balanced approach typical of Cherry switches, while the Gazzew U4Tx stands out with its bassy thock and muted tones, allowing for a more acoustically refined typing experience. On the feel front, the MX Orange offers a smooth engagement that is comfortable for extended use, whereas the U4Tx delivers a defined tactile bump that elevates the interaction with each keystroke. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches cater to different typing experiences, and considering these qualities will help guide your choice in selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch revolves around your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keypress without the tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Orange is ideal for you. These switches excel when you need a linear feel, perfect for fast-paced typing or gaming, where a lack of resistance lets your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. However, if you seek a more pronounced feedback and auditory experience, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are a better choice. Their sharp tactile bump provides an engaging typing sensation, while the bassy, muted sound profile offers a satisfying auditory depth without being overly loud. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness or tactile feedback and sound in your mechanical keyboard experience.