Durock T1 vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

The Durock T1 and the Gazzew U4T are both tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The T1 is highly regarded for its exceptional comfort, featuring a medium bump when pressed down and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. Categorized as 'Stepped', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Accented', and 'Polished', the T1 provides a satisfying tactile response without being too pronounced. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts are known for their harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke with the U4T offers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp', these switches deliver a unique and enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is best suited for you.

By the numbers

Durock T1 Tactile

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$5.50

$4.90 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock T1 and the Gazzew U4T differ significantly, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The T1 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize a precise and pronounced keystroke sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it compatible with RGB lighting for added aesthetics. Conversely, the U4T employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. This softer plastic material produces a mellower and more rounded sound, suiting individuals who prefer a deeper and more satisfying typing experience.

In terms of their bottom housings, the T1 incorporates a nylon material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relative softness of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can be appealing to users seeking a quieter typing experience with a more muted sound. Conversely, the U4T utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, providing it with the same rich and deep sound profile as its top housing. This consistency in housing materials ensures that the U4T offers a harmonious typing experience, with both the top and bottom contributing to the overall sound profile.

While the top and bottom housings of the Durock T1 and the Gazzew U4T differ, it is important to note their respective impacts on the overall typing experience. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing characteristics become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The T1's nylon bottom housing, with its softer nature, contributes to a deeper and more resonant bottom-out sound. Similarly, the U4T's proprietary plastic blend bottom housing, with its softness, enhances the richness and depth of the switch's bottom-out sound. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced. The polycarbonate top housing of the T1 creates a distinct and crisp sound upon key release, whereas the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T delivers a mellower and satisfying sound experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials that cater to different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock T1 tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is important to note that the specific actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the bottom out force for the T1 is slightly heavier at 67 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the U4T has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is categorized as medium.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming periods, as it allows for less fatigue. In this case, the weight of the U4T may be more suitable, given its slightly lower bottom out force. On the other hand, for those who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, a switch with a heavier force is preferred. For these individuals, the T1 with its slightly higher bottom out force would be a suitable choice.

In terms of actuation force, since the specific values are unavailable for both switches, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it can be inferred that the actuation forces of the T1 and U4T are likely similar, as they both fall into the category of tactile switches. Therefore, individuals seeking a similar actuation force can expect similar results from both switches.

In summary, the Durock T1 tactile switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch. The actuation forces of the two switches are uncertain, but it can be assumed that they would yield similar results. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on an individual's preference for weight, with the T1 being on the heavier side and the U4T being slightly lighter.

Travel distance

The Durock T1 tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have similar travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile response for typing or gaming. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users can expect comparable performance and feel when operating their keyboards.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock T1 has a low-pitched and neutral profile. The low-pitched sound of the T1 provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses, resembling the sound of rain falling on a window. This creates a soothing and relaxing auditory experience. The neutral sound profile of the T1 also ensures that it is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. The bassy nature of the U4T delivers a deeper and richer sound, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the thocky nature of the U4T produces a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released. This combination of bassiness and thockiness ensures that each keystroke with the U4T provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction.

Moving on to feel, the Durock T1 provides a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience. The stepped nature of the T1 switch gives it a mild tactile feel with two stages. This means that you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke, providing a more subtle tactile feedback compared to hypertactile switches. Additionally, the T1 switch provides an accented tactile feel, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This ensures a prominent and enjoyable tactile feedback without being too intense. Furthermore, the polished finish of the T1 switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, creating a sleek and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is known for its sharp tactile feel. The U4T switch delivers a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress. This sharp tactile feedback ensures precise and satisfying keystrokes, providing a heightened sense of tactility.

Overall, the Durock T1 and Gazzew U4T switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The T1 provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile along with a stepped, accented, and polished tactile feel. This combination offers comfortable and mellow typing experience with a subtle yet prominent tactile feedback. On the other hand, the U4T provides a bassy and thocky sound profile along with a sharp and intense tactile feel. This combination offers a satisfying and impactful typing experience with a rich auditory and tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences. If you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, either switch can be a suitable choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a comfortable typing experience, the Durock T1 would be a great choice for you. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and provides a medium bump while typing, reminiscent of rain falling on a window. The T1 also has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Gazzew U4T is the switch for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. The U4T provides an assertive tactile feedback, ensuring every keystroke delivers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. The U4T has a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deep and rich sound resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, enhancing the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock T1 and the Gazzew U4T depends on your personal preferences. If you value a slightly heavier bottom out force and a comfortable typing experience, the T1 would be a great fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a satisfying thocky sound, the U4T is the switch for you. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer their unique advantages and are highly regarded in the mechanical keyboard community.

Mentioned in this article

Durock T1 Tactile

$5.50

$4.90 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more