Outemu Blue vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and Gazzew U4T stand out as clicky and tactile options, respectively. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its satisfying clickiness, providing a tactile and audible response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T offers a unique blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, resulting in a bassy 'thock' sound profile paired with assertive tactile feedback. While the Blue switch excels in delivering audible feedback, the U4T focuses on providing a tactile typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and the Gazzew U4T both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, thanks to its stiff nature that enhances resonance. In contrast, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Despite their differences, both housing materials have the advantage of enhancing sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a clearer sound for the Blue and the Gazzew blend offering a deeper tone for the U4T.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Blue's nylon bottom housing and the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing both contribute to a fuller sound profile, but in different ways. Nylon, known for its softer nature, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound when typing on the Blue switch. Similarly, the Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares similarities with the top housing material, also brings a rich and deep sound profile to the U4T switch. These bottom housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches, providing a more immersive typing experience for users.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Gazzew U4T differ in composition, they both offer unique benefits to the switches' sound profiles. The Blue's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials results in a clear and resonant sound with a deep and full undertone, catering to different preferences in sound. On the other hand, the U4T's consistent use of the Gazzew blend material throughout its housing provides a rich and deep sound profile across the board. Regardless of the differences in materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their distinct sound profiles, catering to a variety of user preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the U4T has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Blue switch is unavailable. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Gazzew U4T switch. Both switches excel in different aspects, offering users the option to choose based on their personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the selection between the two will depend on whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance between the two switches. The length of the travel distance for both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the same, making them equally suitable for typing or gaming activities that require a specific travel distance for a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gazzew U4T 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 Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and clicky sound, providing a satisfying audible feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is described as having a bassy 'thock' sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This creates a more subdued yet still satisfying auditory experience compared to the distinct click of the Blue switch. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Blue switch lacks a specific descriptor for its tactile feel. However, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This intense feedback provides a distinct tactile sensation that can enhance typing accuracy and overall typing experience.
Taking all available information into consideration, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue switch provides a loud and clicky sound with a tactile feel that may not be as sharp or pronounced as the U4T switch. On the other hand, the U4T switch delivers a bassy 'thock' sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback, creating a more subdued yet intense typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: You may want to choose the Outemu Blue switch if you prefer a light, clicky switch with no bottom out force, and if you prioritize the audible click sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch would be a great choice for you if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and sharp tactile feedback. The U4T offers a unique typing experience with its harmonious blend of sound and tactility, providing a satisfying keystroke every time. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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