Kailh Sage vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, and the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch. The Kailh Sage switches are best known for their distinct clicky typing experience, offering a refreshing sharpness and a weight that some may find heavy. Categorized as 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Crunchy', these switches deliver a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts embody a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With a bassy 'thock' sound profile and an assertive tactile feedback, these switches provide an immersive typing experience that is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Sage and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Sage features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. Due to its translucent nature, it is ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often called "boba plastic," produces a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, they cater to different preferences. The Sage provides a more clear and resonant sound, while the U4T delivers a warmer and fuller tone.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Sage utilizes a nylon material known for its classic sound profile. When typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T incorporates its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic." Like its top housing, this material contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both nylon and the Gazzew blend offer unique characteristics, with nylon providing a deeper resonance and the Gazzew blend offering a softer and fuller sound.

When comparing the impacts of the top and bottom housing materials, it is evident that they significantly influence different aspects of the switch. When pressing down on either the Kailh Sage or the Gazzew U4T, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the bottom housing material contributes more to the overall experience of pressing down on the switch. On the contrary, the top housing material primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, creating a distinct sound profile upon key release. While both materials play a crucial role in the overall typing experience, it is important to consider the specific qualities each housing material brings to the switch to meet individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is important to consider their weight. The Sage has an actuation force of unavailable grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the U4T has an actuation force of unavailable grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium. While the specific actuation forces are unknown, the Sage is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the U4T. This means that the typing experience on the Sage switch would feel more substantial, requiring a stronger push, while the U4T offers a slightly lighter bottom out force.

For users looking for a lightweight switch, perhaps for extended typing or gaming sessions, the U4T with its medium bottom out force would be a suitable option. It provides a comfortable typing experience without requiring excessive force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more tactile and substantial typing experience might prefer the Sage switch with its heavier bottom out force. This would provide a stronger push feel, making each keystroke more satisfying for users who appreciate a bit more resistance.

In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a heavier bottom out force compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch. Depending on individual preferences and requirements, users can choose a switch that suits their desired typing experience, whether it be a lighter and more comfortable feel or a heavier and more substantial feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch is shorter at 3.6 mm compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Sage falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the U4T provides a slightly deeper travel distance which some people may prefer for a more substantial feel. While both switches offer a satisfactory typing experience, those seeking a quicker and more responsive key press may lean towards the Sage, while those who prefer a bit more depth and solidity in their keystrokes may opt for the U4T.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound profile. This type of sound is commonly associated with clicky switches and can be likened to the satisfying sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. The bassy sound of these switches provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses, reminiscent of the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Meanwhile, the thocky sound is characterized by a deep and satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, both switches offer distinct and enjoyable sound profiles, albeit with different characteristics.

In terms of feel, both the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch are described as having a sharp tactile feedback. This means that these switches provide a high intensity feedback, making the tactile bump prominent and distinct with each and every keypress. The Sage switch is also described as invigorating, offering a moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation, where each keystroke is accompanied by a pronounced feedback and a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the U4T switch does not have additional descriptors in terms of feel, but its shared attribute of being sharp with high feedback intensity suggests that it also provides a reactive and tactile typing experience.

Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch is best known for its heavy weight, refreshingly sharp clickiness, crunchy sound profile, invigorating and sharp tactile feel. On the other hand, the U4T switch embodies a fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a bassy and thocky sound profile along with a sharp tactile feedback. Although the specific qualities may differ between the two switches, both are capable of delivering auditory and tactile satisfaction. Choosing between them would depend on personal preferences and the specific typing experience desired.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a heavy typing experience with a refreshing sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage clicky switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches provide a satisfyingly weighty feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-bottom out force of 62 grams and prioritize a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be more suitable for you. These switches offer a bassy 'thock' sound profile paired with an assertive tactile feedback, creating both auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. In terms of sound, the Sage switches have a crunchy sound profile that resembles stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Meanwhile, the U4T switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches feature a sharp tactile feel, with the Sage providing an invigorating and reactive typing sensation, and the U4T delivering a strong and crisp tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch depends on your preference for weight, sound, and feel, allowing you to find the perfect match for your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

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Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more