Cherry Nixie vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Cherry Nixie and the Gazzew U4T. The Cherry Nixie, a linear switch, is beloved for its substantial heft and textured typing experience thanks to Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, offers a harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing users with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. While the Nixie excels in its low-pitched and textured typing experience, the U4T stands out for its sharp tactility and bassy thock 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
63.5g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the Gazzew U4T both use unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Nixie's nylon top and bottom housing offer a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their housing materials, the Nixie leans towards a softer sound profile compared to the U4T's richer tones.
However, where the Nixie and the U4T differ is in the specific characteristics of their housing materials. The Nixie's nylon housing is well-known for its classic switch feel and sound, emphasizing a deeper and fuller tone that many typists enjoy. In contrast, the U4T's Gazzew blend housing, or "boba plastic," offers a unique sound profile that is rich and deep, creating a different typing experience altogether. This distinction in housing materials between the two switches showcases how different materials can impact the overall feel and sound of a keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry Nixie and the Gazzew U4T will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches utilize softer materials in their housing to create a deeper sound profile, the specific composition of their materials may cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the classic feel of nylon in the Nixie or the proprietary blend in the U4T for a richer sound, each switch offers a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment of using a keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, the actuation force of the Nixie is 63.5 grams, while the U4T's actuation force is not specified. However, the Nixie has a bottom out force of 80 grams, which is heavier than the U4T's 65 grams. This means that the Nixie requires a heavier initial force to trigger a keystroke and a heavier force to bottom out compared to the U4T. The Nixie offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the U4T provides a slightly lighter option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer different advantages depending on the user's preference, with the Nixie being the heavier option and the U4T being the lighter option.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, we can see that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Cherry Nixie or the Gazzew U4T, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of the keypress distance. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a travel distance of 4 mm, providing users with a consistent and familiar feel when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
The Cherry Nixie linear switch is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that provides a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy thock sound with assertive tactile feedback, combining a deep, rich sound with a sharp tactility for a truly immersive typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Nixie switch is known for its textured typing experience, providing users with a noticeable friction when pressed. In contrast, the U4T switch offers a sharp tactile bump that is intense and crisp, allowing users to feel a distinct feedback with each keypress. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to choose between a smooth, textured typing experience with the Nixie or a sharp, tactile feedback with the U4T. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, as both switches are capable of delivering exceptional results in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a substantial heft and textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie linear switch with its 80-gram bottom out force would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility that provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch with its 65-gram bottom out force is the way to go. Consider your preferences in terms of feel and sound when deciding between these two switches, as the Nixie offers a textured typing experience while the U4T provides a sharp tactile bump and bassy 'thock' sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry Nixie and Gazzew U4T will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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