Outemu Gold vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, and the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch, stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Gold switch is best known for its clicky feedback, providing a satisfying auditory response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the U4 switch offers a tactile bump that is sharp and exhilarating, paired with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation for a more subtle typing experience. While the Gold switch is known for its loud click, the U4 switch boasts a muted, low-pitched sound profile, making it whisper quiet. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, but beyond these generalities, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
The Outemu Gold utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting for a visually appealing effect. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary plastic blend in its top housing, known as "boba plastic," which produces a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Gold offers a crisper sound, the U4 provides a fuller sound experience due to the different properties of their housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gold's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend, which also delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. The nylon in the Gold absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the material of their bottom housings contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Outemu Gold and the Gazzew U4 plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience they offer. While the Gold utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a rich and deep sound experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, demonstrating how these components can impact the overall performance of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that they will both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Outemu Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Gazzew U4 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The Outemu Gold would be considered the lighter option between the two, as it requires less force to fully press down the key, while the Gazzew U4 would be considered the heavier option. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for keypress weight.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within a relatively standard range of travel distances, with 4.0mm being more traditional and 3.6mm falling on the slightly shorter end. The Outemu Gold may provide a slightly more pronounced keypress due to its longer travel distance, offering a more satisfying typing experience for some users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4's shorter travel distance could appeal to those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is known for providing a loud and crisp clicking noise, typical of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, creating a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Both switches will deliver distinctive sound profiles, but the Gold switch will result in a louder and more pronounced noise compared to the U4.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Gold switch is known for its tactile feedback and clicky response, providing a satisfying and tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a sharp and intense tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress, giving users a precise and responsive feel when typing. Both switches will offer a tactile typing experience, but the U4 switch will deliver a more pronounced and sharp tactile feedback compared to the Gold switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a louder and more pronounced clicking sound along with tactile feedback, the Gold switch would be the suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience with a sharp tactile bump, the U4 switch would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and a traditional mechanical keyboard feel, the Outemu Gold switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, a sharp tactile bump, and a quieter sound profile, the Gazzew U4 would be a better fit for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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