Outemu Gold vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, and the Gazzew U4Tx, a tactile switch, stand out as popular options. The Outemu Gold is best known for its satisfying clicky feedback, providing a tactile and audible response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is celebrated for marrying the best of both worlds, offering a refined sound profile that combines a deep "thock" when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. While the Outemu Gold may appeal to those who enjoy the audible click of their keystrokes, the Gazzew U4Tx caters to those seeking a more subtle and tactile typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
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 Gold and the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The Gold's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, thanks to its relatively stiff nature, while the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. This results in a crisper sound profile for the Gold and a fuller sound profile for the U4Tx. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Gold allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, which is a unique feature not found in the U4Tx.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Gold's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a rounder sound. Similarly, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also produces a rich and deep sound profile because of its softness. Both switches offer a satisfying sound experience, with the Gold providing a deeper and fuller sound while the U4Tx delivers a rich and deep sound.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall feel and sound of the switches is particularly evident when considering the bottom and top housing separately. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, making a significant impact when typing on the switch, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Gold and the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, providing a diverse range of options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that they both fall in the medium force category. The Outemu Gold clicky switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has an actuation force of unknown grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. In terms of weight, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is lighter due to its lower bottom out force compared to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Outemu Gold switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Gazzew U4Tx switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch. The 4 mm distance of the Gold switch offers a more traditional depth, while the 3.6 mm distance of the U4Tx switch provides a slightly shallower feel. Depending on personal preference, some may opt for the longer travel distance of the Outemu Gold for a more substantial key press, while others may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gazzew U4Tx for quicker response times. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance that cater to individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Gold 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 the sound profile of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we see a stark difference between the two. The Gold switch is known for its undefined sound quality, while the U4Tx switch is renowned for its bassy and muted sound characteristics. The U4Tx provides a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, coupled with a whisper-quiet topping out sound, creating a luxurious typing experience that is as acoustically pleasing as it is tactile. On the other hand, the Gold switch's sound profile remains a mystery.
Moving on to the tactile feel of these switches, the Outemu Gold switch lacks any specific descriptor for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is known for its sharp tactile bump that provides high feedback intensity. This sharp tactile bump ensures that each keypress is distinctly felt, enhancing the typing experience for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer vastly different experiences when it comes to sound and feel. While the Gold switch lacks defined characteristics in terms of sound and feel, the U4Tx switch excels in providing a bassy and muted sound profile combined with a sharp tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to a variety of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Gold clicky switch or the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a clicky and tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Gold may be a good fit for you. However, if you're looking for a switch that marries the best of both worlds with a refined sound profile and a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, then the Gazzew U4Tx may be the better option. The U4Tx offers a luxurious typing experience with a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns most closely with your preferences and typing needs for the best typing experience.
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