Outemu Purple vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx are two popular options to consider. The Outemu Purple is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each key press. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches combine the best of both worlds, offering a clean and refined sound profile with a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a quiet top out. While the Purple may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward tactile switch, the U4Tx switches offer a unique blend of sound and tactile feedback. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Outemu Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, which delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the Purple's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer and more resonant, the Gazzew blend top housing offers a softer and more absorbing quality.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Purple uses a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of their respective switches, providing a satisfying typing experience for users looking for a deeper tone.
Overall, while the Outemu Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Purple creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4Tx delivers a rich and deep tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple and the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4Tx both contribute to a fuller sound, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their sound preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the U4Tx has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the bottom out force for the Purple is unknown. This means that the Purple switch would be easier to press down to trigger a keystroke, whereas the U4Tx switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier force required to bottom out. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Purple for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the U4Tx for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual typing preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Purple offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by some users for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their respective travel distances, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a deeper key press or a quicker response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, making it difficult to directly compare it to the Gazzew U4Tx switch. The U4Tx switch, known for its bassy and muted sound profile, offers a deeper and richer tone during key presses while minimizing typical mechanical keyboard noise. When considering sound, the U4Tx switch provides a more refined and acoustically pleasing experience compared to the Purple switch.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Purple switch descriptor is unknown, making it challenging to compare directly to the Gazzew U4Tx switch. The U4Tx switch, on the other hand, is described as having a sharp and intense tactile bump with each keypress. This sharp feedback intensity provides a distinct and satisfying tactile experience, differentiating it from the Purple switch.
Overall, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch excels in providing a refined and cleaner sound profile with a luxurious typing experience. Its bassy and muted sound, coupled with a sharp tactile bump, offers a unique combination of acoustics and feel that may be preferred by those seeking a more sophisticated typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Purple switch are unknown in terms of sound and feel, it is safe to say that opting for the Gazzew U4Tx switch will likely result in a similar refined and sharp tactile experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it's important to consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force and are looking for a switch known for its responsive characteristics, then the Outemu Purple tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy switches with a medium bottom-out force and are interested in experiencing the combination of both a deep thock bottom-out sound and a whisper-quiet topping out sound, then the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch would be a great option. Additionally, if you appreciate a sharp tactile bump with each keypress, the U4Tx's pronounced tactile feedback may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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