Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB illustrates this well. The Piano Pro switch, a linear option, stands out for its lively sound signature and smooth actuation, making it ideal for those who appreciate a responsive and auditory typing experience. Its characteristics, including a bouncy and clacky feel, can transform everyday typing into an enjoyable activity. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is a tactile option, offering the luxurious “thock” sound with a pronounced tactile bump that many users find satisfying. This switch provides a quieter top-out sound while delivering a tactile feedback that enhances each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more refined typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and 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

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, one can observe both similarities and distinctions that influence their overall performance. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material's relative softness. This quality allows for superior sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary blend that is widely referred to as "boba plastic." While different in formulation, this material shares the essential characteristic of increased softness, delivering similarly rich and deep sound profiles due to its sound-absorbing abilities. Thus, while the materials are not identical, they achieve comparable outcomes in sound quality, ensuring a pleasurable auditory experience when typing.

Both the V3 Piano Pro and the U4Tx RGB have nylon as their bottom housing material. This choice underscores a commitment to enhancing sound absorption and amplifying the desired acoustic characteristics of the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly significant when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The nylon used in the V3 Piano Pro, like the proprietary blend found in the U4Tx RGB, contributes to a dampened and rounded sound signature. Consequently, while the two models use different materials for their top housings, they align closely in their bottom housing choice, promoting a consistently satisfying typing experience.

Considering how top and bottom housings affect a switch's overall sound profile, the interplay between the materials becomes critical. For both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, the softer materials used create similar auditory outcomes, although the specific characteristics each housing contributes differ. For instance, while the nylon top of the V3 enhances the release sound, the proprietary Gazzew blend in the U4Tx does the same by softening the auditory feedback upon key release. Hence, despite the differences in plastic types, users of both keyboards can expect a cohesive and fulfilling typing experience marked by deep sound profiles and reassuring tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Piano Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer ease of typing during long sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This suggests that although the actuation force for the U4Tx remains unspecified, it likely requires a heavier press to reach its full travel compared to the V3 Piano Pro. Consequently, the V3 Piano Pro is the lighter option between the two, favored by those who enjoy a softer touch, while the U4Tx RGB appeals to users who desire a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the former has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the latter has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the V3 Piano Pro offers a marginally shorter distance, which might appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and increased responsiveness. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial tactile feel when typing. Therefore, if you favor quicker, more immediate feedback when pressing keys, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be the better option, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch presents a notably snappy auditory profile, characterized by a clacky and resonant tone that makes each keystroke feel lively and engaging. This sharp and bright sound adds a layer of enjoyment to typing, perfectly complementing its design aimed at a crisp auditory experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch features a deep "thock" as it bottoms out, which delivers a luxurious and refined acoustic signature. The gentle transition into a quieter topping out leads to a sophisticated sound profile that conveys a sense of elegance without overwhelming noise. While both switches embody distinct sound qualities, they provide a delightful aural experience in their own right, contingent upon the accompanying keyboard materials and setup.

On the tactile front, the V3 Piano Pro offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, giving typists the sensation of a lively, spring-like rebound with each keystroke. This combination of descriptors creates a buttery experience that allows fingers to glide smoothly across the keys, enhancing comfort and efficiency during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's tactile feedback is marked by a sharp bump that is less explicitly detailed but known to create a satisfying tactile response during use. While the U4Tx RGB's overall tactile qualities may not be explicitly defined here, the Gazzew brand is often associated with high-quality feedback, suggesting a pleasing typing experience that may resonate well with those who appreciate a refined and tactile touch.

In summary, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch each offer unique auditory and tactile experiences for different preferences. The V3's snappy and resonant sound, paired with its lively tactile feedback, contrasts with the U4Tx's luxurious thock and distinctive tactile bump. Both switches demonstrate how sound and feel can shape the typing experience in meaningful ways, allowing newcomers to explore their preferences based on distinct characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on what aspects of typing a user prioritizes—whether that is the thrill of crisp sounds and bouncy feels or the elegance of a refined auditory profile and tactile satisfaction.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the usage context you have in mind. If you’re seeking a light and lively experience, where sound plays a key role in your enjoyment, the V3 Piano Pro switches with their medium-light actuation force and clacky, resonant auditory profile will serve you well, especially for typing and gaming scenarios that benefit from a quick and responsive feel. Their bouncy, creamy texture adds an engaging aspect to every keystroke, making them perfect for those who enjoy a dynamic and spirited typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and substantial feel with a heavier bottom-out force, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB might be the better choice for you. The medium-heavy actuation, combined with its refined "thock" sound and a sharp tactile bump, offers a luxurious typing experience that can be particularly satisfying for typing documents or programming tasks, where a more deliberate key press is often preferred. Therefore, consider how you like to type and what environments you’ll be using your keyboard in to decide which switch aligns best with your personal style.

Mentioned in this article

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more