Gazzew U4 vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between the tactile feel and the seamless smoothness of a linear switch. The Gazzew U4 silent tactile switch excels in providing a unique typing experience with its sharp tactile bump and plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. This switch harmonizes style with a whisper-quiet sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate subtlety and want to minimize noise, whether in an office or a shared space. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a low actuation force of just 1mm that supports rapid-fire key presses, perfect for fast-paced gameplay. Its bright, clacky sound adds an exciting dimension to each keystroke, appealing to those who favor a lively auditory feedback during their gaming sessions. While both switches cater to different preferences—tactile feedback versus linear smoothness—they each have specific advantages that may make them ideal depending on your typing or gaming style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4 and HMX Vintage Citrus switches showcase differing materials in their respective top housings, which heavily influences their sound profiles. The U4 employs a proprietary Gazzew blend, colloquially known as "boba plastic," which is characterized by a unique softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound experience. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, a traditional material renowned for its ability to produce a fuller, deeper sound. While both materials are softer compared to harder plastics, the distinction lies in the U4's proprietary blend, which may deliver a distinct acoustic nuance compared to the more recognized characteristics of nylon.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Gazzew U4 also utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend, mirroring the sound profile found in its top housing. The HMX Vintage Citrus, however, again opts for a nylon composition. Similar to the top housing, this nylon material is designed to absorb sound effectively, leading to a rounder sound profile. Both switches showcase the dampening qualities of their materials, but while the U4’s bottom housing may resonate more with the general richness provided by its boba plastic, the Vintage Citrus with nylon will exhibit its classic yet softer sound characteristics.
When utilizing both switch types, users can expect a divergent yet rich auditory experience influenced by their housing materials. With the Gazzew U4’s soft boba plastic used in both top and bottom housings, one can enjoy a harmonious consistency in sound whether bottoming out or releasing keys. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus’s separation of softer nylon in both the top and bottom housings ensures that users experience a split balance in sound delivery, with the top housing contributing to the release sound and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out feel. Ultimately, while both switches yield a full sound profile, their specific materials lead to unique auditory signatures that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal interesting differences in weight and feel. The U4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a slightly stronger push required to trigger a keystroke and a fair amount of resistance felt when the switch is fully pressed. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features an actuation force of 48 grams, which is marginally heavier, but its bottom out force of 53 grams is significantly lighter than that of the U4. This means that while both switches can be described as medium-light to medium in resistance, the Vintage Citrus offers a lighter overall experience in terms of bottoming out. Consequently, typists who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the U4, while those who favor prolonged typing or gaming sessions with reduced fatigue might find the Vintage Citrus to be a better choice due to its lighter bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the U4 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, catering to those who prefer quicker responsiveness in their key presses, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the U4 offers a longer travel distance, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth with each keystroke. For users who value a balance between speed and tactile feedback, the U4 would be a better choice, while the Vintage Citrus may appeal to those looking for a quicker actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
The Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Gazzew U4 tactile switch features a sound profile that is notably muted and low-pitched, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a quieter typing experience. The soft, whisper-quiet acoustic output minimizes noise, allowing for a more subtle interaction, which is great for both office environments and late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch has a bright and clacky sound, designed to provide an auditory feedback that energizes gaming and typing experiences. The lively sound of the Vintage Citrus can be expected to stand out more within a space, creating a more engaging atmosphere, especially in fast-paced scenarios.
When it comes to feel, the U4 is renowned for its sharp tactile characteristics; the pronounced bump offers clear feedback with each keystroke, enhancing typing precision and satisfaction. The plush bottom-out sensation adds an additional layer of comfort that can help reduce finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered for speed, featuring a low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid keystrokes. While the specific feedback qualities of the Vintage Citrus are not mentioned, the design focus suggests a smoother push that may not provide the same intense tactile sensation as the U4, catering more towards quick, fluid typing without significant resistance.
Overall, users who prefer a subdued yet enjoyable typing experience may gravitate toward the Gazzew U4 for its tactile feedback and quiet operation. The HMX Vintage Citrus appeals to gamers seeking a responsive and lively switch that excels in rapid input scenarios. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and the choice between them will depend on whether one prioritizes tranquility and tactile feedback or speed and auditory excitement.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more traditional typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback, the U4 is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, coupled with a sharp tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation, makes it suitable for users who value pronounced feedback during their keystrokes. Additionally, its whisper-quiet operation is perfect for shared workspaces or late-night sessions where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you're primarily focused on gaming and rapid key presses, the Vintage Citrus linear switch would be more advantageous. With its lower actuation force of just 53 grams and a swift 1mm actuation point, it enables fast and seamless inputs that can enhance your gaming performance. Its bright, clacky sound profile further adds to the tactile satisfaction, making it an appealing option for gamers who enjoy auditory feedback. Ultimately, assess what you're prioritizing in your keyboard experience—if it's tactile feedback and a quieter environment, go for the U4; if it’s speed and a more engaging sound, the Vintage Citrus is your best bet.
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