Gazzew U4 vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4 and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew U4 and Gateron Weightlessness each have unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Gazzew U4 switches are celebrated for their sharp tactile bump and plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, offering an exhilarating typing experience while maintaining a whisper-quiet sound profile. Their muted, low-pitched, and sharp characteristics make them an ideal choice for users who value discretion without sacrificing feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtler, more balanced tactile feel, complemented by a sound profile that suits a variety of environments. With their moderate tactile response, they appeal to those looking for a versatile switch that still offers some pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the U4 and the Weightlessness will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and noise level; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew U4 and the Gateron Weightlessness switches present an interesting comparison in their effects on typing acoustics. The U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housings, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic." This blend is designed to produce a rich and deep sound profile due to its inherent softness. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs nylon for both the top and bottom housing. While nylon is a well-known switch housing material that contributes a deeper and fuller sound, the way it achieves this is by being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches are constructed from softer materials aimed at enhancing sound quality, the Gazzew U4 utilizes a proprietary blend specifically engineered for its rich acoustic characteristics.
When examining the lower housing of both switches, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend is again aimed at producing a compelling sound profile, mirroring the characteristics of the nylon used in the Gateron Weightlessness. Both materials lead to a similar effect in terms of sound absorption and depth. Consequently, since the bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall auditory experience, users of both switches can expect a comparable bottom-out feel and sound, further underscoring a shared goal of achieving a pleasant tactile experience through thoughtful material selection.
However, a key differentiator arises when considering the impact of the top housings on sound during the release of a keypress. The Gazzew U4's top housing, made from its proprietary blend, will have a different acoustic signature compared to the nylon of the Weightlessness. This difference may affect the sonic profile when letting go of a key, with the U4 possibly generating a softer and brighter sound due to the specific properties of its blend. Therefore, while users will experience a rich and deep sound profile with both switches, the nuances brought forth by their distinct top housing materials may yield slight differences in the auditory feedback upon key release, complementing the deeper sounds elicited from their shared design focus on softer plastics.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness is unknown. The U4 features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a firmer push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Since the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness is not specified, we cannot make a direct comparison, but the available information indicates that the U4's bottom out force is 62 grams. Thus, while both switches offer tactile feedback, the U4 is the lighter option and may be more suited for users who favor a softer touch, whereas the Weightlessness caters to individuals looking for a heavier keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is clear that the U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer of the two, while the Weightlessness has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter. This slight difference can influence the typing experience; users who prefer more traditional and hearty depth in their key presses may find the Gazzew U4 more to their liking, while those who enjoy a quicker, snappier response might gravitate towards the Gateron Weightlessness. Ultimately, your choice may depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth, as the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness encourages faster actuation for gaming or rapid typing, while the additional millimeter on the U4 offers a more substantial feel that some users appreciate.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
When comparing the sound profile of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the U4 stands out due to its muted and low-pitched characteristics, producing a softer and quieter typing experience that's pleasantly subdued. This feature makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less intrusive sound while typing, perfect for quiet environments. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switches do not have a specific sound description provided, which leaves their auditory qualities somewhat unknown. However, if they are designed to be balanced in sound, you might expect them to fall somewhere in between the more muted profile of the U4 and louder, more clacky switches.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4 is defined by a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, offering a high feedback intensity that ensures every keypress is distinctly felt. This is complemented by a plush bottom-out sensation that adds a unique comfort to the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches present a subtle to moderate tactile feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy a milder tactile response rather than something that demands more attention with each actuation. Given this information, while both switches offer tactile feedback, the U4 leans towards a more pronounced experience, while the Weightlessness aims for gentler feedback.
In conclusion, if you prioritize sound, the Gazzew U4 will likely be more appealing due to its whisper-quiet operation, making it suitable for shared workspaces or quiet environments. The tactile feedback of the U4 is pronounced and exhilarating, while the Weightlessness aims for a more subtle feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a sharp and clear tactile response or a softer, less pronounced touch. Each switch offers a unique typing experience contingent upon individual preference, but users can expect somewhat similar tactile feedback from both, though manifesting in vastly different intensities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, your choice should depend on your personal typing preferences and the specific environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a pronounced tactile response with a sharp bump and a plush bottom-out feel, the U4 is an excellent option, especially if you desire a quieter typing experience; its muted and low-pitched sound profile makes it ideal for shared or quiet spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile sensation combined with a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness switch may suit you better, especially in settings where a gentler auditory feedback is appreciated. Ultimately, the U4 shines for those who enjoy crisp feedback and a more defined tactile experience, while the Weightlessness is best for users seeking a softer touch and overall understated feel. Your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you seek pronounced tactile feedback or a more moderate, subdued experience.
Mentioned in this article
