Jwick Taro vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Taro and Gazzew U4Tx RGB present two appealing options for typists who appreciate tactile feedback. The Taro switches are characterized by their comfy subdued color scheme and provide a snappy, medium-level tactility paired with acute, crisp clacks, making them ideal for users seeking a satisfying auditory response during typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer a more refined sound profile with a deep "thock" and the whisper-quiet stealth of their topping out, creating a luxurious typing experience with a sharper tactile bump. While the Taro offers a somewhat lively and engaging typing action, the U4Tx leans towards a muted and bassy experience, catering to those who prefer a quieter environment. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference in sound and feel; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Jwick Taro Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Taro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, a noticeable distinction can be observed in their design and resultant sound profiles. The Jwick Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This characteristic provides clarity and resonance, making it ideal for applications involving RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when paired with illuminated components. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which generates a softer sound profile that is rich and deep. This difference in material composition plays a significant role in how each switch interacts with RGB lighting, potentially leading to varied visual and auditory experiences.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a parallel in the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's material and the Taro's bottom housing, both of which utilize soft plastics. The Jwick Taro employs a nylon bottom housing that absorbs sound effectively, leading to a fuller and deeper audio response. Similarly, the U4Tx RGB's boba plastic blend enables it to produce a similarly rich sound profile due to its soft nature. While the Taro's nylon bottom is a more traditional choice, the proprietary blend in the U4Tx RGB emphasizes a unique sound quality, underscoring the importance of materials in sound design. Nevertheless, both bottom housings contribute to a more subdued and rounder sound when bottoming out.

In terms of overall performance, the combination of unique materials in each switch affects how sound is produced during typing. With the Jwick Taro, the polycarbonate top emphasizes higher frequencies, creating a distinctive auditory experience when keys are released. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB's softer top maintains a significant focus on lower frequencies, enriching the sound when keys are pressed. However, both switches are engineered to provide a satisfying sound profile thanks to the thoughtful integration of their materials, suggesting that sound performance can be similarly excellent across different construction choices. Thus, while they employ contrasting materials in the top housings, the softness employed in both switches' bottom housings allows for a degree of uniformity that results in a balanced typing experience.

Weight

The Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch exhibit similar characteristics in terms of their bottom out forces, with the Taro rated at 67 grams and the U4Tx RGB slightly lighter at 65 grams, both classified as medium-heavy. However, neither switch provides a defined actuation force, leaving a gap in their specifications regarding the force required to trigger a keystroke. Given the higher bottom out force of the Taro switch, users may find it to have a more substantial feel during typing, while the U4Tx RGB’s marginally lighter bottom out force might offer a slightly less strenuous push experience. For users who prefer typing for extended periods or during long gaming sessions, the lighter U4Tx RGB could be more comfortable, whereas those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback might lean towards the Taro. Overall, the differences in bottom out force may influence user preference based on their typing style, even though both switches are categorized as medium-heavy.

Travel distance

The Jwick Taro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch comes in slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This minor difference illustrates a common choice between tactile switches: the Taro offers a deeper plunge, which may appeal to users who prefer a heftier feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its shorter travel distance, provides a more responsive experience that can be advantageous for fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, if you seek a switch that still offers tactile feedback but with a slightly quicker response, the U4Tx RGB may be your choice. However, for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses, the Taro stands out as the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is characterized by its acute and crisp clacks, creating an engaging auditory experience that many typists find enjoyable. This sharpness gives it a lively quality that can energize typing sessions, making it well-suited for those who appreciate a pronounced sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer a more nuanced auditory experience, blending deep "thock" when bottoming out with a muted and quieter sound at the top. This results in a rich, bassy sound that minimizes the usual noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for users who prefer a luxurious, yet subtle, auditory experience while typing.

When it comes to feel, the Taro switches present a delightful combination of buttery smoothness and a stepped tactile sensation. This means that users can expect a fluid keystroke experience without the abruptness often found in more hypertactile switches, allowing for a comfortable typing experience that is both engaging and easy on the fingers. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches have not provided specific tactile descriptors, leaving some uncertainty in this area. However, the previous understanding of Gazzew's tactile switches suggests they may offer a refined tactile feedback, likely leaning towards a pleasurable yet distinct feel that complements its sound profile.

In conclusion, while both the Jwick Taro and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches cater to different auditory preferences, they both enhance the typing experience in their unique ways. The Taro excels with its sharp clacks and comfortable tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively typing environment. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB offers a rich, muted sound, ideal for users seeking a quieter yet satisfying feel. Whether you lean toward a more pronounced auditory experience or a more subdued one, both switches can deliver a cozy typing experience, enabling users to find a satisfying match according to their personal preferences.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you prioritize a typing experience that feels comfortable and smooth, the Taro’s buttery feel and stepped tactile feedback might be more appealing. Its medium-level tactility, paired with a crisp sound profile, can enhance your enjoyment especially if you appreciate that satisfying clack during your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter typing experience with a deeper, more refined sound, the U4Tx RGB may be the better choice. With its muted yet bassy tone and sharp tactile bump, it provides a luxurious feeling while keeping noise to a minimum, making it suitable for quieter settings or shared workspaces. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, so it’s essential to consider what additional attributes—whether it's sound, feel, or overall typing experience—align more closely with your specific needs.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Taro Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more