Outemu Blue vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the Gazzew U4Tx, a tactile switch. The Outemu Blue is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is renowned for marrying the best of both worlds, offering a unique blend of a tactile bump with a refined, bassy and muted sound profile that appeals to those looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Blue's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. However, both switches utilize interesting materials for their top housings that contribute to an enhanced typing experience. While the Blue's polycarbonate top housing is known for its clear and resonant sound, the Gazzew U4Tx's "boba plastic" blend offers a unique richness in sound quality.
On the other hand, the housing materials used for the bottom housings of the switches also play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile. The Blue's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its softer nature and its ability to absorb sound. Similarly, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both switches incorporate materials that contribute to a more muted and rounded sound, enhancing the typing experience for users.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing delivers a richer and deeper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue and the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4Tx both contribute to a fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a clearer, sharper sound or a richer, deeper sound when typing.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we see a difference in actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Gazzew U4Tx's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Outemu Blue is unavailable, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Gazzew U4Tx requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Outemu Blue. Both switches offer different typing experiences, with the Outemu Blue providing a lighter actuation force, and the Gazzew U4Tx offering a heavier bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience based on the switch they select.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the U4Tx's 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu Blue offers a slightly deeper key press experience than the Gazzew U4Tx. Generally, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback, while a shorter travel distance can result in quicker keystrokes and response times. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the deeper travel distance of the Outemu Blue for a more traditional typing experience, while others may opt for the quicker response time of the Gazzew U4Tx for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and the desired 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 U4Tx 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 best known for its distinctive clicky sound that is loud and crisp, making it popular among gamers and typists who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a unique sound profile that combines the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The U4Tx switches are known for their bassy and muted sound, providing a more refined and acoustic typing experience compared to the loud clickiness of the Blue switch.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its tactile bump and audible feedback, giving users a satisfying typing experience. However, the Gazzew U4Tx switch takes tactile feedback to the next level with its sharp and intense tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each and every keypress. The U4Tx switches provide a luxurious typing feel that combines the best of both worlds in terms of tactility and quiet operation.
Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a loud and clicky typing experience with strong tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more refined and quiet typing experience with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue clicky switch or the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a clicky, responsive typing experience with no bottom out force, the Outemu Blue switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force that offers a blend of a deep, bassy sound profile and a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is a great choice. Both switches have their own strengths and unique characteristics, so make sure to test them out and see which one suits your typing needs best. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels and sounds right to you.
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