Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gazzew U4Tx, another tactile switch, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Crystal Brown is known for its smooth and consistent tactile feedback, offering a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx stands out for marrying the best of both worlds, providing a refined sound profile with a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out. The U4Tx offers a sharp tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. While the Crystal Brown offers a traditional tactile feel, the U4Tx provides a unique combination of deep sound and satisfying tactility. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
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 housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in both their top and bottom components. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the U4Tx uses a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown allows for RGB lighting to shine through, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4Tx offers a unique and premium feel.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Crystal Brown utilizes a nylon material, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, emphasizing a consistent auditory experience throughout the switch.
Despite the differences in materials used for the top and bottom housings, both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique sound profiles. While the Crystal Brown leans towards a crisper and sharper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Gazzew U4Tx provides a rich and deep sound with its proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials will depend on personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the U4Tx, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the U4Tx requires a heavier force of 62.5 grams, while the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams. This means that the Crystal Brown provides a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Crystal Brown may be the better option. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, which may cater to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Gamers may prefer the U4Tx for its quicker response time due to the shorter distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal Brown with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Crystal Brown providing more depth and the U4Tx offering a quicker feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 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 Crystal Brown switch is known for being a standard switch with no specific sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is praised for marrying the best of both worlds, offering a refined and cleaner sound profile. Typing on the U4Tx switches produces a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, accompanied by a whisper-quiet topping out sound. This combination creates a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience, making the U4Tx switches stand out in terms of sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have any specific descriptors for feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump that provides high feedback intensity. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the U4Tx switches can be distinctly felt with each keypress, enhancing the tactile typing experience for users who prefer feedback and response in their switches.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Brown switch is a standard option with no distinct characteristics in sound or feel, the Gazzew U4Tx switch stands out for its refined sound profile and sharp tactile bump. Those looking for a quieter typing experience with a strong tactile feedback may prefer the U4Tx switches, while users looking for a more traditional switch may opt for the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force and are not concerned about sound, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a switch that provides a unique combination of deep, bassy sound with a sharp tactile bump, then the Gazzew U4Tx is the way to go. The U4Tx switches are designed to offer a luxurious typing experience with a refined sound profile that combines the best of both worlds. Consider your priorities when selecting between these two switches, and remember to prioritize your typing experience above all else.
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