Outemu Green vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Green and Gazzew U4 offer unique experiences for users. The Outemu Green is a clicky switch, best known for its satisfying click sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch, offering a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump without the loud noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The U4 also provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, creating a more subtle typing experience. While the Green switch may appeal to those who enjoy the auditory feedback of a clicky switch, the U4 switch is perfect for users looking for a quieter 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
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Green switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switches come with a proprietary plastic blend top housing known as "boba plastic." This material delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness, which absorbs sound and creates a more mellow tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Outemu Green switches use a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, allowing for more sound absorption and a duller, rounder tone. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches also utilize the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, providing a similarly rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with nylon offering a more classic feel and the Gazzew blend adding a unique touch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Outemu Green and the Gazzew U4 plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Green switch creates a sharp and clear sound, the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4 switch offers a rich and deep tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Green switch provides a deeper and fuller sound, similar to the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4 switch. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch performance can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the Green switch is heavier than the U4 switch. The Outemu Green clicky switch has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Green switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the U4 switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Both switches provide distinct advantages based on personal preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we can see that the Green has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the U4's 3.6 mm. Though both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the difference may be noticeable to users who are particularly sensitive to such nuances. Gamers, in particular, may lean towards the U4 with its shorter travel distance for quicker response times. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel may prefer the Green with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and intended use cases.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Green 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 Green clicky switch is known for producing a loud and satisfying click with each keystroke, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a more subdued and quiet sound profile. The U4's muted and low-pitched sound creates a more tranquil typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter workspace. However, it is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard casing and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green switch is known for its tactile feedback and audible click, providing a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a sharp and intense tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. This unique tactile sensation, combined with a plush bottom-out feel, creates a smoother and more comfortable typing experience for extended use.
Overall, while the Outemu Green and Gazzew U4 switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preferences. The Green switch is ideal for those who enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a louder sound profile, while the U4 switch caters to users seeking a more muted and sharp tactile feedback with a quieter sound. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound output. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a clicky sound profile, the Outemu Green switch with its 80-gram bottom out force may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with a muted, low-pitched sound profile, the Gazzew U4 switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
