Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between a variety of options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, is designed to provide a balanced typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a moderate tactile feedback without the loud click of a more aggressive switch. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, also a tactile switch, is celebrated for its exceptional auditory experience, featuring a deep "thock" sound upon bottoming out and a quiet peak at the top, coupled with a pronounced tactile bump that elevates the typing experience to a luxurious level. While both switches cater to users looking for tactile feedback, the Outemu Crystal Brown appeals to those preferring a subtler approach, whereas the U4Tx RGB captivates with its refined sound profile and enhanced feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches present a fascinating comparison of sound profiles influenced by material properties. The Crystal Brown is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound signature. Polycarbonate's translucency also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, allowing vibrant illumination to permeate the switch. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing. This material, characterized by its softness, produces a deeper sound profile that contrasts with the brightness offered by polycarbonate. While the Crystal Brown focuses on clarity and sharpness, the U4Tx RGB aims for richness and depth, showcasing two distinct philosophies in the pursuit of an enjoyable typing experience.

When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize similar materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles, albeit with different approaches. The Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder typing experience. This quality is complemented by the softer bottom housing of the U4Tx RGB, which also employs the proprietary boba plastic blend. This shared emphasis on softness allows for a rich and deep sound profile in both switches, making them suitable for users who prefer a more muted and immersive auditory feedback. In this case, although the materials differ in the top housings, the bottom housings align closely in terms of sound absorption characteristics.

Ultimately, the difference in top and bottom housing materials leads to a nuanced interplay of sound and feel within each switch. For the Outemu Crystal Brown, the rigidity of its polycarbonate top contributes to a crisp release sound, while the nylon bottom enhances the typing experience with a warm and full-bodied response. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB balances its softer top and bottom housing materials to create a uniquely rich profile throughout all stages of keypress. While each switch has its individual character influenced by the choice of materials, they're both capable of delivering satisfying results, especially when considering the bottom housing's profound effect on the overall feel and sound produced.

Weight

The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch offer distinct tactile experiences, particularly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Brown features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, but its actuation force is not specified. As a result, we cannot compare the actuation forces directly; however, the higher bottom out force of the U4Tx RGB suggests a stronger tactile feedback, aligning with the preferences of users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In summary, for those who favor lighter switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown is the clear choice, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB caters to those who appreciate a heavier keystroke sensation.

Travel distance

The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Crystal Brown provides a more substantial key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel and tactile feedback. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, which is often important for gamers seeking faster actions. Therefore, if you prioritize a responsive typing experience or gaming efficiency, the U4Tx RGB would be the more suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced key press sensation, the Outemu Crystal Brown would be the better option due to its longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific sound quality highlighted among enthusiasts, making it somewhat of an enigma in this aspect. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is celebrated for its rich auditory experience. It combines a deep "thock" when bottoming out with a quieter topping out sound, providing a refined sound profile that many typists find appealing. This nuanced auditory feedback can significantly enhance the typing experience, especially when combined with the right keyboard setup and keycaps.

In terms of tactile feel, the Crystal Brown switch lacks distinct characteristics that are commonly noted, which leaves its tactile quality somewhat undefined. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is well-regarded for its sharp tactile bump, allowing for a satisfying feedback that many users appreciate. This tactile response makes it easier to know when a key has been activated, contributing to a more luxurious typing experience that is both engaging and rewarding.

In summary, while the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not offer much insight into its sound or feel, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch shines with a delightful sound profile and a pronounced tactile feedback. For those seeking a mechanical keyboard with an appealing auditory experience and satisfying tactile engagement, the U4Tx RGB is clearly more enticing. However, if one prefers a less pronounced auditory and tactile signature, the Crystal Brown may still offer a more subdued experience that can complement various setups and preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in feel, sound, and typing force. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you, especially if you engage in prolonged typing sessions or gaming where rapid keystrokes are essential. However, if you favor a more substantial actuation force of 65 grams that provides a satisfying, heavier tactile feedback, the U4Tx RGB is likely to enhance your typing experience with its rich "thock" sound and sharp tactile bump. The U4Tx RGB's sound profile is refined and stealthy, making it ideal for environments where noise levels matter, such as shared workspaces. In contrast, if you're seeking a switch that focuses on smoother, more muted feedback, the Crystal Brown may be more appealing. Ultimately, consider how the tactile differences and actuation forces align with your typing style and acoustic preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more