Gazzew U4 vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

We are super excited to introduce you to two excellent mechanical keyboard switches: the Gazzew U4 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but they each have their own unique features that set them apart. The Gazzew U4 is best known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback with every keystroke. What sets it apart is the unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, offering a truly luxurious feel. Additionally, the U4s have a whisper-quiet sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. These switches strike a perfect balance between tactility and smoothness, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. 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

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew U4 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic properties. The U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," is praised for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects, providing an additional aesthetic appeal. Therefore, while both housing materials contribute to the overall sound experience of the switches, the U4's blend offers a softer and more mellow sound, whereas the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate provides a brighter and more vibrant sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend continues to deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound experience, the U4's blend may offer a softer and smoother typing experience, while the nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor promotes a more robust and substantial feel when typing.

It is important to note that the impact and contribution of the top and bottom housings differ in the overall sound and feel of a switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials of the Gazzew U4 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches may differ, the resulting sound and feel will vary depending on whether you are pressing or releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the U4 switch is 43 grams, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the U4 at 62 grams and the Viola Tricolor at 63.5 grams.

Considering the weight of the switches, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the U4, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This lighter actuation force could be beneficial for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger pushing feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out force.

It is worth mentioning that if the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is equal to or lighter than the U4, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, since the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is not specified, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this regard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and the desired level of resistance during keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we can see that the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the range, with the U4 being on the shallower side and the Viola Tricolor being slightly deeper. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the U4 with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel and greater depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Viola Tricolor with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its muted and low-pitched profile. These switches offer a softer and quieter typing experience, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. The sound produced by the U4 is more bass-heavy and mellow, creating a calming and subtle auditory experience.

On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy, punchy, and bassy sound profile. These switches provide a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Like the U4, the Viola Tricolor has a low-pitched sound, offering a more melodious and character-filled typing experience.

In terms of feel, the U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. Each keypress with the U4 delivers a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly. This intense feedback adds a sense of precision and satisfaction to typing.

The Viola Tricolor, on the other hand, is described as accented and invigorating. This means that the Viola Tricolor offers a medium level of tactility, providing a prominent amount of feedback without overwhelming the user. The switch has a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive and energizing typing sensation.

Upon considering the available information, it is clear that the Gazzew U4 and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The U4 provides a whispered quietness with a felt-like bottom-out sensation and a sharp tactile bump. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a touch of character with its thuddy, punchy sound profile and accented yet not overwhelming tactile feedback. It is important to note that the overall typing experience of these switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so selecting either one would result in a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when making a decision between the Gazzew U4 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The U4 offers a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and is best known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, accompanied by a plush bottom-out sensation. These switches have a whisper quiet sound profile, characterized as muted and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor features a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile. It offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile and strikes a perfect balance. The Viola Tricolor switches are described as bassy and low-pitched. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a sharper tactile feedback and a quieter sound profile, the Gazzew U4 may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a touch of character, pronounced tactility, and a bolder sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor might be the one to go with.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more