Kailh Sage vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer a unique typing experience are the Kailh Sage and the Gazzew U4. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch known for its invigorating and sharp feel. The weight of the switch is quite heavy, providing a satisfying clickiness with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that offers a different kind of excitement. Typing on the U4 switch provides a pronounced tactile bump, coupled with a plush bottom-out sensation that feels like a luxurious touch. Additionally, the U4 switch offers a whisper-quiet sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide on the best switch for your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Sage and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the sound. In contrast, the U4 features Gazzew's proprietary plastic blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the Sage focuses on achieving clarity, the U4 prioritizes a more rounded and fuller sound experience.

Moving to the bottom housings, the Sage employs a classic nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound while typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Gazzew U4 also utilizes their proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the softness of the plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep sound experience. Both switches provide a more muffled and rounded sound due to the absorption properties of their respective bottom housings.

In terms of the impact on typing experience, the bottom housing plays a crucial role for both switches. When pressing down on the key, the qualities of the bottom housing are evident. The Sage's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a deeper sound and a fuller feel upon bottoming out the key. Likewise, the U4's Gazzew blend bottom housing enhances the overall richness and depth of the bottom-out sound and tactile experience. Conversely, the top housing of each switch influences the sound when the key is released, with the Sage's polycarbonate top housing producing a crisp and distinct sound, while the U4's "boba plastic" top housing offers a deep and resonant tone. Despite their differences, it is important to note that both switches aim to deliver an optimal sound experience through their choice of housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, some notable differences can be observed. The actuation force of the Sage is unspecified, while the U4 requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. The bottom out force of the Sage is heavier at 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, whereas the U4 has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the U4 switch with its lower actuation force. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for keyboard usage during work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Sage, as its higher bottom out force provides a satisfying feedback during keystrokes.

Despite their differences, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom-out forces. Therefore, users can expect similar overall results in terms of key response and keystroke feel, regardless of which switch they choose.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance ensures that the typing experience with both switches will be consistent in terms of the tactile feedback and overall key feel. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Kailh Sage clicky switch or the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness. This switch is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, providing a "crunchy" sound experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a silent tactile experience with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. This switch also provides an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. The sound profile of the U4 switch is described as muted and low-pitched, resulting in a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.

In terms of feel, both the Sage and U4 switches are described as having a sharp tactile bump, offering high feedback intensity. The strong and crisp tactile bump of these switches can be felt distinctly with each and every keypress. The Sage switch also provides an invigorating and reactive typing sensation, with moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing experience.

Considering all the available information, while the Sage switch provides a more pronounced clicky sound with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, the U4 switch offers a silent tactile experience with a plush bottom-out sensation and a muted, low-pitched sound profile. Both switches exhibit a sharp tactile bump and high feedback intensity, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more clicky and weighty typing experience with the Sage switch or a quiet and plush tactile experience with the U4 switch. Regardless of the switch chosen, the typing experience is expected to be immersive and enjoyable.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you value a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, the Kailh Sage switch is a great choice for you. It offers a refreshingly sharp clickiness and an invigorating feel with its pronounced feedback and reactive sensation. However, if you prefer a quieter and more subtly tactile switch, the Gazzew U4 is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force and a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, the U4 provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while maintaining a whisper quiet sound profile. Both switches offer a sharp tactile bump and are suitable for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize a heavier and clickier switch or a quieter and more subtle one.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more