Outemu Tom vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Tom and Gazzew U4Tx RGB both stand out as prominent choices for those seeking tactile feedback, yet they cater to different preferences and experiences. The Outemu Tom offers a traditional tactile feel, making it a solid option for typists who appreciate a reliable and familiar keypress with a satisfying feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB excels in providing a luxurious typing experience characterized by its deep “thock” sound when bottoming out, coupled with a quieter topping out, delivering a refined auditory experience alongside a sharp tactile bump. While the Tom may appeal to more traditional users seeking straightforward tactile sensations, the U4Tx RGB attracts enthusiasts looking for an engaging sound profile and a premium feel. 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 Tom Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Outemu Tom and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, significant differences arise in the materials used for their top housings. The Tom utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s rigid nature contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio output, making it a popular choice for RGB enthusiasts. This material enhances the visual aspect of the switch as well, allowing RGB lights to shine through clearly and brilliantly, appealing to users who prioritize both sound and aesthetics in their keyboard setup.

In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for its top housing, which is softer than polycarbonate. This material choice leads to a distinctly different sound profile that is richer and deeper, providing a more muted and subtle sound experience. While the boba plastic offers an appealing quality for those who enjoy a less aggressive audio response, it lacks the clarity that polycarbonate provides. This distinction in top housing materials also affects the overall interaction with RGB lighting; though the U4Tx RGB is still designed to accommodate lighting elements, the softer material may diffuse the brightness and clarity of the light compared to the sharp transmission offered by the polycarbonate housing in the Tom.

The bottom housings of both switches present a more aligned approach, with each featuring a proprietary Gazzew blend. Both utilize softer materials, contributing to a fuller, deeper sound profile while typing. The characteristic softness of these materials absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a generally more muted auditory experience upon bottoming out. However, the combination of different top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Tom and boba plastic for the U4Tx RGB—suggests that users will experience varying outcomes in sound clarity during key release, while both switches remain cohesive in their resonant, rich bass characteristics due to their similar bottom housing compositions. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired sound profiles and aesthetic considerations.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we find some notable differences. The Tom switch has a specific actuation force of 55 grams, making it on the lighter side and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has an unknown actuation force, which prevents a straightforward comparison in this regard. However, the U4Tx RGB’s bottom out force of 65 grams is classified as medium-heavy, indicating a more substantial feel when pressing all the way down. Since the bottom out force of the Tom switch is unknown, it’s difficult to provide a direct comparison there as well. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for easier typing, the Outemu Tom would be a better choice, while those who favor a heavier, more tactile experience might lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the Tom boasts a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu Tom switch is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that gamers often favor for quick actions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, with its greater travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper key presses. While both switches are within the range of modern preferences, the choice ultimately depends on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more substantial depth in your keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Tom switch does not have a defined auditory profile noted in its description, which suggests it may not stand out significantly in terms of acoustics compared to other switches. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is celebrated for its sound characteristics, which feature a deep "thock" upon bottoming out combined with a quiet, stealthy topping out. This refined sound profile contributes to a more luxurious typing experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment for the user. However, the actual sound experienced will also depend on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Tom switch lacks specific descriptors that highlight its tactile feedback, meaning it may offer a more generic typing sensation without standout features. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB switch is characterized by its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying and pronounced feedback with every key press. This tactile response complements its sound properties, leading to an engaging and cohesive typing experience that many users find appealing.

In summary, while the Outemu Tom switch may not offer unique qualities in sound or feel, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB excels with its luxurious auditory experience and pronounced tactile feedback. Users seeking a deeper auditory and sensory engagement will gravitate towards the U4Tx RGB, as its refined characteristics create an enjoyable typing environment. If you are looking for a more generalized typing experience, you may find the Tom sufficient, but for those who prioritize sound and tactile satisfaction, the U4Tx RGB switch clearly presents a superior option.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, you should consider your personal preferences for force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch and a typist-friendly experience, the Outemu Tom may be your go-to, although specific metrics on its bottom-out force remain unavailable. However, if you’re looking for a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is tailored to provide that. The U4Tx not only delivers a satisfying deep "thock" sound when bottoming out but also offers a quieter topping out experience, making it particularly appealing for both office environments and late-night gaming sessions. Additionally, if a sharp tactile bump is important to you for feedback during typing, the U4Tx would enhance your experience significantly over the Tom. Therefore, consider what aspects you prioritize most in your keyboard experience: lightweight feel and potentially softer sounds with the Tom, or a richer sound profile and better tactile feedback with the U4Tx RGB. Ultimately, selecting between the two will hinge on what you value most in your mechanical keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more