Gazzew U4 vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, you want to consider factors such as tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience. That's where the Gazzew U4 and the Gazzew U4Tx come in. The U4 is known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, combined with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. It offers a whisper-quiet sound profile, making it a great choice if you prefer a muted and low-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx combines the best of both worlds, providing a cleaner and refined sound profile. It offers the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out, along with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. With its sharp and satisfying tactile bump, the U4Tx ensures a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew U4 Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in both the Gazzew U4 and the Gazzew U4Tx switches are identical. Both switches feature a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing made of a special plastic blend, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique material imparts a softness to the switches, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile. Whether you are pressing down on the key or releasing it, the top housing's influence on the sound remains consistent between the two switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics when using either the U4 or U4Tx.

However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing. While the top housing remains the same, the U4 and U4Tx have separate bottom housing materials. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down. The bottom housing material used in the U4 switch, with its proprietary Gazzew blend, offers a softness that contributes to the overall sound experience. Alternatively, the U4Tx switch has its own unique blend of plastics in its bottom housing, which also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness.

This distinction in the bottom housing materials allows for a subtle variation in the overall feel and sound between the Gazzew U4 and U4Tx switches. Users can expect a difference in the tactile feedback when bottoming out a key, depending on whether they opt for the U4 or the U4Tx. However, it is worth noting that the impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key remains consistent across both switches, as the materials used are the same. Consequently, those seeking precise control over the sensation of pressing a key may find the differentiation in bottom housing materials influential in their switch selection.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The U4 has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the actuation force for the U4Tx is unknown. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the U4 measuring at 62 grams and the U4Tx being slightly heavier at 65 grams.

The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the U4 with its 43-gram actuation force, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial and forceful typing experience may lean towards the U4Tx, which has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams.

Although we are unable to determine the exact actuation force of the U4Tx, it is reasonable to assume that it may be similar to the U4 since they are part of the same series of switches by Gazzew. Thus, if one desires a similar result to the U4 but prefers a heavier bottom out force, the U4Tx could be a suitable choice.

In summary, while the actuation force of the Gazzew U4 and U4Tx tactile switches may differ, they both offer medium bottom out forces. The U4 is lighter with a 43-gram actuation force, while the U4Tx is slightly heavier at 65 grams. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on individual preferences for typing experience and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel.

Travel distance

The Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the U4 or the U4Tx, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 3.6 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gazzew U4 and U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities in sound and feel. In terms of sound, the U4 is known for its muted and low-pitched characteristics. This means that when typing on the U4 switches, users can expect a softer and quieter sound profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches provide a bassy sound profile that offers a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, both switches are described as muted, which means they minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, both the U4 and U4Tx switches are described as having a sharp tactile bump. This means that users will experience a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The switches provide a satisfying tactile experience that ensures a luxurious typing feel.

In conclusion, the Gazzew U4 and U4Tx switches offer different sound profiles while providing a similar sharp tactile feel. The U4 switches have a muted and low-pitched sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. Conversely, the U4Tx switches have a bassier sound profile that provides a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Both switches offer a sharp tactile bump and a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Overall, these switches provide an exhilarating typing experience with a focus on acoustics and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, as well as a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, then the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its whisper quiet sound profile and muted, low-pitched tones, this switch provides a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular or clacky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force switch that combines the satisfying tactile bump of the U4 with the refined sound profile of the U4, then the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the way to go. With its deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out and whisper-quiet topping out, you can enjoy a luxurious typing experience that is acoustically pleasing. Ultimately, both switches offer a sharp and distinct tactile bump, making them a great choice for those who prefer high feedback intensity in their typing experience. In the end, it comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force and sound profile. Overall, Gazzew has designed these switches to cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more