Outemu Brown vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and Gazzew U4Tx offer unique experiences for users seeking a tactile typing feel. The Outemu Brown switch is known for its subtle tactile feedback, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch combines the best of both worlds with its deep, resonant "thock" sound profile when bottoming out and whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. This switch offers a sharp tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Outemu Brown and Gazzew U4Tx switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Outemu Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Brown switch offers a clear and resonant sound, the U4Tx switch provides a more muffled yet deep tone. Both housing materials have their own unique qualities that cater to different sound preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Outemu Brown switch uses a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch also utilizes the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile as well. Despite the differences in the specific materials used, both switches offer a similar deep and rich sound experience due to the softer nature of the plastics used in the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Brown and Gazzew U4Tx switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing in the Brown switch provides a clear and resonant sound, while the Gazzew blend top housing in the U4Tx switch offers a rich and deep tone. Similarly, both switches utilize softer plastics in the bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound profile overall. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a richer, deeper tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch each offer a unique typing experience based on their actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Brown has a higher actuation force of 53 grams compared to the U4Tx's unknown actuation force. However, the U4Tx has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams compared to the Brown's 65 grams. This means that the U4Tx is lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Outemu Brown. Those who prefer lighter actuation forces may lean towards the U4Tx for extended typing sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu Brown switch will provide a slightly longer keypress experience compared to the Gazzew U4Tx switch. In terms of preference, gamers may lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more traditional and deeper keypress may opt for the Outemu Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Brown 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 Brown switch is known for being relatively quiet with a medium pitch sound profile, making it suitable for office environments or shared workspaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is designed to offer a unique blend of a bassy and muted sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses while keeping overall noise levels lower compared to traditional mechanical switches. Depending on personal preference and environmental considerations, users may find the U4Tx switches more appealing for a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Brown switch provides a subtle tactile bump with a smooth keystroke, offering a balance between feedback and comfort. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is specifically engineered to deliver a sharp and intense tactile bump with each key press, ensuring that users can feel a distinct feedback sensation with every stroke. This heightened tactile response may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience while typing, offering a satisfying sensation that enhances the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Brown switch provides a quieter typing experience with a medium pitch sound and subtle tactile feedback, the U4Tx switch excels in delivering a deeper, bassier sound profile along with a sharper tactile bump for a more pronounced keypress sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired level of acoustics and tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and user satisfaction, ensuring a premium typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Outemu Brown with 65 grams may be more suitable for you. However, if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique sound profile with a blend of deep "thock" and quiet topping out, along with a sharp tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx with 62.5 grams of force may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.
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