Gateron Quinn vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Quinn and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, drawing enthusiasts into their distinct sound profiles and feel. The Gateron Quinn, with its crisp tactile bump and resonant sound, provides a snappy and polished typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a lively auditory element while typing. Its nylon housings contribute not only to the switch's impressive acoustic character but also ensure a light, engaging keystroke that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB prioritizes a luxurious typing feel, combining the deep "thock" sound upon bottoming out with a quiet topping out, making it perfect for users who prefer discretion without sacrificing tactile feedback. The refined sound profile paired with its sharp tactile bump creates a sophisticated atmosphere, suitable for both gaming and professional environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Quinn Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Gateron Quinn and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches exhibit some similarities and notable differences that ultimately impact their sound profiles and tactile experiences. Both switches employ nylon for their respective bottom housings, which is renowned for its softer characteristics. This shared material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are pressed down, as nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics. Users of both switches can expect a rounder auditory experience from the bottom-out click due to this material similarity, enforcing a degree of parity in the lower sound levels generated by both switches.

However, when it comes to their top housings, the switches diverge in materials. The Quinn features a standard nylon top housing, while the U4Tx RGB incorporates a proprietary plastic blend, colloquially referred to as "boba plastic." While nylon excels in providing a dampened sound profile, the Gazzew blend aims to optimize this experience further by leveraging its unique softness. This differentiation means that the sound profile when releasing a key, primarily influenced by the top housing, will differ between the two switches. The Quinn's nylon top will produce a distinct sound signature compared to the U4Tx RGB's boba plastic, even if both are designed to offer rich auditory experiences.

Ultimately, while both series of switches share a common bottom housing material, their differing top housing compositions result in unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. The nylon in the Quinn is classic and effective in sound absorption, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's innovative plastic blend pushes the boundaries of sound dampening capabilities further. Typing enthusiasts looking for deeper and fuller sound profiles can achieve satisfactory results with either switch, but their choice may ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding the nuances of sound when releasing the keys, which are heavily influenced by each switch's top housing material.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal some interesting differences. The Quinn switch features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 65 grams, also classified as medium-heavy. Since we don't have the actuation force for the U4Tx, we cannot directly compare that aspect, but both switches bottom out at similar weights, with the U4Tx being very slightly lighter at bottom out. For typists who prefer a lighter keystroke, the unknown actuation force of the U4Tx may suggest a potentially lighter typing experience, while those leaning towards a heavier feel may find the Quinn switch preferable due to its specified actuation force. In summary, while both switches are relatively similar in terms of bottom out force, the unknown actuation force of the U4Tx leaves its tactile characteristics open to interpretation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Gateron Quinn features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the U4Tx RGB offers a depthier feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial press and tactile feedback during typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Quinn could cater to users seeking quicker response times and a more responsive experience, which can be particularly advantageous for gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance, with the Gateron Quinn being the shorter option and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB being the longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch stands out with its rich and immersive audio profile. Characterized by a deep, resonant quality, it produces a blend of bassy tones and clacky accents, creating an engaging auditory experience during typing. The lower frequency and crispness associated with its nylon housing lend a distinctive character to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches do not have a specified sound profile described in the materials provided, leaving an incomplete picture in terms of auditory feedback. However, users can expect that sound characteristics may also rely on the keyboard's build and keycap material.

In terms of feel, the Quinn tactile switch excels with its snappy, polished touch combined with a lively bouncy sensation. Users can expect a responsive and smooth typing experience, enhanced by a medium tactile bump that doesn’t overwhelm. The tactile feedback is accented, ensuring that each keystroke feels distinct yet comfortable. On the other hand, the feel of the U4Tx RGB is unspecified, which makes it difficult to draw comparisons regarding tactile feedback and overall typing comfort. This means potential users might need to try them out personally to ascertain their feel.

In summary, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a well-rounded experience with both a compelling sound profile and a responsive, polished feel, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's tactile qualities—particularly its audio feedback and tactile sensations—remain unknown. If sound characteristics are paramount, the Quinn will deliver a satisfying experience, but for the U4Tx RGB, users may need to rely on personal exploration to discover its qualities. Both switches are likely to provide enjoyable typing experiences, though the Quinn appears to have more defined features across sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing experience. If you value a unique combination of a crisp, light switch-like tactility paired with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Quinn might be the better choice for you. Its bassy and clacky characteristics can enhance your typing experience, making it feel rich and immersive—perfect for those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the snappy and polished feel of the Quinn switches can provide an exhilarating response, ideal for both typing and gaming.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who prefers a quieter yet still tactile experience with a luxurious feel, then the Gazzew U4Tx RGB might be more suited to your needs. Its refined sound profile, with deep "thock" notes upon bottoming out, provides a satisfying, albeit subtler, auditory feedback. Plus, the sharp tactile bump, combined with the switch’s smoothness, delivers a more sophisticated typing experience. Therefore, if stealth and elegance are your priorities while still desiring a tactile response, look no further than the U4Tx RGB. In the end, consider your typing habits, whether you want a musical keystroke action or a more subdued experience, and choose the switch that aligns best with your style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more