Outemu Red vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider both performance and personal preference. The Outemu Red, renowned for its smooth linear action, offers a quiet, uninterrupted keystroke experience that appeals to typists and gamers who appreciate a seamless feel without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches introduce a captivating blend of tactile satisfaction and sound. With their pronounced "thock" upon bottoming out and muted topping out, these switches provide a pronounced tactile bump and a luxurious auditory experience that enhances the typing experience. Whether you lean towards the fluidity of the Outemu Red or the tactile enjoyment of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, each switch caters to different tastes and uses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Red and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer distinct sound profiles attributed to their different housing materials. The Outemu Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is mainly due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that enhances resonance and clarity. The transparency of polycarbonate also plays a significant role in its aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, enabling the colors to shine through vividly. In comparison, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for its top housing. This material is softer than polycarbonate, resulting in a sound profile that emphasizes a richer and deeper tone, which can be more mellow compared to the brightness of the Outemu Red.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches adopt materials that emphasize sound absorption. The Outemu Red employs a nylon bottom housing, recognized for its tradition in switch designs. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller acoustic effect. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB also incorporates a proprietary "boba plastic" for its bottom housing. Similar to nylon, this material enhances the overall sound signature by providing a deeper profile; however, the specific blend used can result in a distinct tactile feel that may differ from traditional nylon, especially in terms of bottoming out and key feel.

The interaction of the top and bottom housing materials significantly affects the overall key experience of each switch. In switches where the top and bottom housings utilize different materials, the characteristics imparted by each will be noticeable in distinct aspects of sound and feel during typing. For the Outemu Red, the crisp and bright notes from the polycarbonate top paired with the fuller sounds from the nylon bottom result in a well-defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB combines its rich sound profile from both the top and bottom of its housing materials, which may lead to a more cohesive experience that is rounded and deep. Despite the differences, both switches can deliver enjoyable acoustic experiences; the key lies in how those properties manifest differently through the unique material compositions.

Weight

The Outemu Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present a fascinating comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Red has a defined actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch that offers a reasonable balance between ease of use for extended typing sessions and a satisfying push feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's actuation force remains unspecified, but its bottom out force is slightly higher at 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This suggests that while the U4Tx may require more effort to fully depress, its actuation force remains a mystery. Therefore, it could be lighter or heavier than the Outemu Red's actuation force, which is known to be 46 grams. Overall, those who favor lighter switches might prefer the Outemu Red for comfort during long sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial feel might lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, especially considering its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a preference for varying key feel and responsiveness. The Outemu Red, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial keystroke that some users may find more satisfying for typing and gaming, providing a deeper feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, being the shorter option, caters to those who favor faster response times, making it appealing for gamers who prioritize speed. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference: those seeking a hearty depth and tactile feedback may opt for the Outemu Red, whereas users desiring a snappier feel might prefer the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, producing minimal noise as it travels from top to bottom and vice versa. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is crucial, such as shared workspaces. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch offers a more pronounced auditory experience with its deep "thock" sound when bottoming out, complemented by the almost silent sound of the switch topping out. This combination creates a rich sound profile that many typists and gamers appreciate, as it provides auditory feedback without being overly loud, making both switches suitable for different sound preferences depending on the user's environment.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Red switch has a smooth linear action, which means it provides an uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bump or resistance until it reaches the bottom. This is favored by those who enjoy rapid key presses, such as gamers who require quick reflexes. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch features a distinct sharp tactile bump, which can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer feedback with each keystroke. This tactile sensation can be satisfying for typists who enjoy feeling the actuation point, providing a more engaging experience.

In conclusion, the Outemu Red linear switch is characterized by its quiet, smooth operation, making it ideal for those who value discretion in their typing sound and action. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch stands out with its luxurious sound profile and satisfying tactile feedback, which can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate auditory and tactile reassurance. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired sound and feel, ensuring that they can find a suitable option for their typing needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound characteristics. If you favor a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a relatively light activation force, the Outemu Red might be your go-to option. This switch is well-suited for fast typing and gaming, where rapid key presses are essential, and the linear actuation offers a clean, barrier-free experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile feedback while enjoying a distinctive auditory profile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch could be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-heavy actuation and pronounced tactile bump, it delivers an enjoyable "thock" sound when bottoming out, perfect for a more luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you prioritize factors such as sound, feedback, and the intended use of the keyboard, whether it’s for gaming or typographic tasks.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more