HMX Swift vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Swift and the Gazzew U4 offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Swift is renowned for its deep sound profile and silky smooth feel, thanks to its full nylon housings and light 42g actuation force. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is praised for its sharp tactile bump and plush bottom-out sensation, providing a whisper-quiet typing experience. While the Swift is known for being clacky and bouncy, the U4 is described as muted and sharp. Each switch has its own distinct qualities that appeal to different users depending on their preferred typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Swift Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the HMX Swift and the Gazzew U4 utilize nylon in their top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Similarly, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This similarity in material choice highlights a focus on creating a pleasant typing experience through the use of softer plastics in both switches.

In terms of bottom housing material, both the Swift and the U4 showcase differences in their approach. While the Swift continues to utilize nylon in its bottom housing, the U4 introduces its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing to provide a rich and deep sound profile. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. With the use of different materials in the bottom housing, users can experience varying levels of tactile feedback and sound when using these switches.

The combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. The HMX Swift and the Gazzew U4 showcase how distinct materials in each housing can create unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. While both switches focus on delivering a deep and rich sound through the use of softer plastics, the specific blend of materials used in each switch allows for differences in sound characteristics when engaging with the top or bottom of a key. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials can influence the typing feel and sound output of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the Swift is lighter in both aspects. With an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Swift offers a lighter typing experience compared to the U4, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Swift provides a more effortless keystroke initiation and a softer bottoming out sensation, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, the U4 offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding typing experience and desired force feedback.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gazzew U4 slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the HMX Swift. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Gazzew U4 to feel too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the HMX Swift for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a deeper and smoother sound profile with a touch of silkiness, making it stand out from other linear switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a whisper-quiet typing experience with a muted and low-pitched sound that minimizes noise. While the Swift switch delivers a clacky sound, the U4 switch produces a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing a different auditory experience for the user. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel, the HMX Swift switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering a feathery and bouncy sensation with a creamy texture that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switch provides a sharp tactile bump that delivers a high feedback intensity, making each keypress distinct and noticeable. The U4 switch's tactile nature provides a different typing feel compared to the smoother and light actuation of the Swift switch, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile response during typing.

Overall, when comparing the HMX Swift linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that each switch offers unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Swift switch provides a deeper and smoother sound profile with a light and silky typing experience, while the U4 switch delivers a whisper-quiet typing experience with a sharp and pronounced tactile bump. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver satisfying results based on the user's preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, you should consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, a deeper sound profile, and a smoother typing experience, the HMX Swift linear switch with its 50g actuation force, silky smoothness, and full nylon housings might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force, a sharp tactile bump, and a plush bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch with its 62g actuation force, sharp tactile bump, and felt-like bottom-out might be more to your liking. Whether you prioritize a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel (Swift) or a muted, low-pitched sound and sharp, tactile feel (U4), both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Swift and Gazzew U4 switches will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Swift Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more