Bsun Olive vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Olive and Gazzew U4T are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics that make them stand out in the market. The Olive switches are known for their deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, creating a satisfying tactile and auditory experience during use. On the other hand, the U4T switches offer a harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. While the Olive switches are categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy', the U4T switches fall under 'Bassy', 'Thocky', 'Sharp'. Each switch offers a different experience, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Gazzew U4T both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM top housing of the Olive provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Both housing materials have their own distinct qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Olive's POM bottom housing and the U4T's Gazzew blend bottom housing offer similar characteristics in creating a pleasing and unique sound. The deeper sound profile and muted tones of the POM bottom housing of the Olive are reflected in the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T. This similarity in bottom housing materials may result in a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the switch, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials ensures that each component contributes to the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switch. Whether it's the POM top and bottom housings of the Olive or the Gazzew blend top and bottom housings of the U4T, both switches offer a balance of sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 65 grams, also classifying it as medium-heavy. In terms of weight, the Olive is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the U4T. This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Olive switch. However, both switches have the same bottom out force, providing a similar level of resistance when fully pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the desired level of actuation force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that the Olive has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the U4T's 4 mm. The Olive switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the U4T's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different feel and performance, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. Whether opting for the Olive or U4T, you can expect to feel a noticeable difference in travel distance compared to traditional switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Olive switch offers a resonant, deep sound profile due to its all-POM housing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch provides a bassy 'thock' sound that is both satisfying and distinctive. While the Olive switch boasts a unique deep sound, the U4T switch creates a harmonious blend of bass tones and tactile feedback, making each keystroke a pleasurable auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Olive switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback with a medium level of tactility, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, offering a high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Both switches deliver a tactile typing sensation that is immersive and responsive, making them suitable for enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Olive and Gazzew U4T switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Olive switch provides a deep and resonant sound along with a tangible feel due to its pronounced tactile feedback, while the U4T switch offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile paired with an assertive tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either of these switches can provide a rewarding typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a resonant, deep sound profile with pronounced tactile feedback and a crisp bottom-out, the Olive switch with its medium-heavy 65g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a bassy 'thock' sound profile paired with assertive tactile feedback, the U4T switch also with a medium-heavy 65g bottom out force might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the specific sound and feel characteristics offered by each switch.
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