Outemu Brown vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Brown and the Gazzew U4T mechanical keyboard switches, both switches fall under the tactile switch category. The Outemu Brown is known for its subtle tactile bump without an audible click, providing a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts are praised for their unique blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, offering a bassy 'thock' sound profile along with a satisfying tactile feedback. While the Brown switch may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience, the U4T switch is ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel and a satisfying sound with each keystroke. 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
53g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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 Brown and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials, with the Brown featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the U4T has a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness, appealing to those who prefer a fuller sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Brown is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T does not offer this feature, but its softness contributes to a deeper sound profile. When it comes to the bottom housing, the nylon material of the Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T also delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Despite their differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Gazzew U4T play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While the Brown features a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for its housing materials, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a rich and deep sound profile, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation forces and bottom out forces differ between the two. The Outemu Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Gazzew U4T's actuation force is unknown and the bottom out force is 65 grams. This makes the Outemu Brown slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, but they both share the same bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Outemu Brown for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gazzew U4T. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that pressing down on a key with either switch will result in a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Users can expect similar feedback and typing experience with both switches due to their equal travel distances. As a result, whether using the Outemu Brown or the Gazzew U4T, individuals can rely on a consistent and familiar key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Brown 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 Brown switch is often described as having a standard sound profile, without any standout qualities. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is renowned for its unique combination of a bassy 'thock' sound. This means that each key press on the U4T switch will provide a deeper and richer sound experience compared to the Brown switch, offering a more satisfying auditory feedback for users who appreciate a bassy and thocky sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Brown switch does not have a specific descriptor for its tactile feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch is best known for its sharp tactile feedback. This means that users typing on the U4T switch will experience a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress, providing a distinct and intense tactile sensation. For those who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback, the U4T switch would be the preferred choice over the more subtle feel of the Brown switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown and Gazzew U4T switches offer distinct sound and tactile qualities for users to consider. While the Brown switch provides a standard sound profile and unspecified tactile feel, the U4T switch stands out for its bassy 'thock' sound and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, they can choose between a more traditional typing experience with the Brown switch or a more immersive and tactile experience with the U4T switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each individual user is looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it's important to consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a standard tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and no specific standout feature, the Outemu Brown might be the choice for you. However, if you appreciate a unique typing experience with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback that enhances every keystroke, then the Gazzew U4T could be the ideal switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align best with your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
