Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4 offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Brown is known for its tactile feedback while the U4 is praised for its silent tactile experience. The Crystal Brown provides a satisfying bump when typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response. On the other hand, the U4 offers a quieter typing experience with a plush bottom-out sensation, perfect for those seeking a more subtle and muted typing feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4, one noticeable difference is in the top housing. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the U4 uses Gazzew's proprietary plastic blend, which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the U4's Gazzew blend provides a softer and deeper sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Crystal Brown utilizes nylon which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the U4 uses Gazzew's proprietary blend for the bottom housing, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile as well. Both switches benefit from the softness of their respective bottom housing materials, creating a more muted and rounder sound compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two in a switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. This highlights how the different housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4 contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
Weight
The actuation force of both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is 45 grams, meaning that they both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Crystal Brown is 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the U4, which has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Crystal Brown offers a more gentle typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the U4 provides a slightly heavier push feel, giving a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, but the slight difference in bottom out force may result in a different typing experience for those who prefer either a lighter or heavier switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Crystal Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key compared to the U4. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the U4, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may lean towards the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, both switches offer a traditional travel distance and will provide similar results in terms of keypress feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gazzew U4 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 Crystal Brown switch doesn't have a specific descriptor mentioned, making it harder to compare directly to the Gazzew U4 switch. However, based on the U4's description of being muted and low-pitched, it's safe to assume that the Crystal Brown may produce a louder and potentially higher-pitched sound in comparison. The U4, on the other hand, is praised for its whisper-quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch doesn't have a specific descriptor mentioned, similar to the sound aspect. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump that provides high feedback intensity. This means that each keystroke on the U4 switch will have a distinct and prominent tactile feel, which may appeal to typists who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4 switches may differ in sound and feel based on the available information, it's important to consider your personal preferences when choosing between the two. If you enjoy a louder and potentially higher-pitched sound with a more subtle tactile feel, the Crystal Brown could be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a sharp and intense tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards with various keycaps will give you a better idea of which one aligns best with your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch with no specific standout feature, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force and are drawn to a switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, the U4 may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Additionally, if you prefer a quieter sound profile with low-pitched tones, the U4 is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of key feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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