Durock Piano vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two switches that stand out in the market are the Durock Piano, a linear switch, and the Gazzew U4Tx, a tactile switch. The Durock Piano switches are highly regarded for their proprietary material blend, which results in an incredibly pleasant typing experience. Users report a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches combine the best of both worlds, offering a refined sound profile and precise tactile feedback. With a deep resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out, these switches provide a satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. While these general descriptions may give you a sense of each switch's characteristics, it's important to dive deeper into the specific details to determine which switch best suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Piano and Gazzew U4Tx switches both have proprietary housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. Although the exact details of the POM blend in the Piano's housing are unknown, it is described as offering a satisfying and deep sound profile. Similarly, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend, also known as "boba plastic," provides a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Both switches aim to deliver an immersive and pleasurable typing experience with their different housing materials.

The similarities between the Piano and U4Tx switches lie in the deep sound profiles they provide. Despite having different proprietary blends, both switches utilize their top housing material to influence the sound when a key is released. Thus, typists can expect a similar satisfying sound experience when using either switch. However, it's important to note that while the top housing contributes to the sound upon key release, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key.

Although both switches have their unique housing materials, the split between the top and bottom housing allows for different qualities to be assigned to each. The bottom housing of the Durock Piano, made with the proprietary POM blend, is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the bottom housing of the Gazzew U4Tx, composed of the "boba plastic" blend, also contributes to the immersive typing experience with its rich and deep sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a noticeable difference in the overall feel and sound when using these switches, depending on the balance of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the specific grams for both switches are unavailable, but it can be assumed that they are within a similar range since they are not mentioned. This means that both switches would require a comparable amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Piano switch has a 63.5-gram measurement, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range. Therefore, even though the specific actuation forces are unknown, it can be concluded that both switches would provide a similar typing experience, as they have almost identical bottom out forces.

Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. This lighter weight allows for easier keystrokes over a longer duration. For these users, either the Piano or U4Tx switch would be suitable options. However, there are also users who prefer a stronger push feel, seeking a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may appreciate the heavier actuation and bottom out forces provided by either the Piano or U4Tx switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference in their distances. The Durock Piano linear 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 Durock Piano with its 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, offering a moderate depth that many are familiar with. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx with its 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, catering to those who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers.

If you prioritize a faster and more responsive typing experience, opting for the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch with its shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice. However, it's worth noting that for some individuals, the shorter travel distance can feel somewhat abrupt and lacking in depth. If you prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press, the Durock Piano linear switch with its longer travel distance would be a better fit.

In summary, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who value speed and responsiveness, the Durock Piano linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more traditional and profound typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Durock Piano and Gazzew U4Tx switches share similar qualities. They both offer a deep and rich sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range akin to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, the U4Tx switches offer an additional characteristic of being muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to the regular or clacky switches. It's worth noting that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switches are described as providing a gliding push feel and a silky typing experience. These switches are designed with a frictionless feature, resulting in an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience devoid of any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a sharp and distinct tactile feedback with each keypress. The tactile bump in these switches is prominent and crisp, providing a high feedback intensity.

In conclusion, both the Durock Piano and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer their own unique subjective qualities. The Piano switches are highly regarded for their pleasant linear feel and deep, creamy sound signature. Meanwhile, the U4Tx switches combine the best of both worlds, providing a cleaner and refined sound profile along with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, it's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps to fully optimize the sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a pleasant linear switch with a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams offers a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that combines a sharp, satisfying bump with a refined sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactically satisfying. The U4Tx offers the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. In terms of sound, both switches have a bassy profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. However, the U4Tx also has a muted sound, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Piano provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, offering smooth and effortless key presses. On the other hand, the U4Tx has a sharp tactile bump that gives high feedback intensity with each key press. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Piano and Gazzew U4Tx depends on your preference for linear vs tactile switches, as well as the specific sound and feel you desire in your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more