Gazzew U4 vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, there are various options available to cater to individual preferences. Two popular choices in the tactile switch category are the Gazzew U4 and the Durock White Lotus. The Gazzew U4 switches are renowned for their sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, coupled with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, providing a unique typing experience. Additionally, these switches have a whisper quiet sound profile, perfect for those seeking a silent keyboard. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, ideal for extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Furthermore, these switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Gazzew U4 Tactile

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gazzew U4 and the Durock White Lotus switches have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles and overall typing experience. The U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic." This blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Similarly, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. Both switches offer a softer plastic housing that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the U4 continues to use its proprietary Gazzew blend material, while the White Lotus employs nylon. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to its relatively softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, pressing down on the U4 switch will provide the full impact of its soft Gazzew blend bottom housing, enhancing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the White Lotus's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a similar effect but with a slightly different sound profile due to the variation in material.

In terms of the impact on sound when releasing a key, the top housing plays a more significant role. The U4's Gazzew blend top housing will affect the sound when letting go of a key, giving it a distinct sound profile influenced by the softness and properties of the proprietary plastic blend. Similarly, the Durock White Lotus with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing will offer a comparable experience in terms of the sound when releasing a key. Although the specific materials may differ, the softness and unique properties of the blend will contribute to a rich and deep sound profile for both switches.

Overall, while the specific housing materials may vary between the Gazzew U4 and the Durock White Lotus, they both deliver a similar typing experience. The softness of the proprietary Gazzew blend in the U4's top and bottom housing, combined with the modified PC and UPE blend in the White Lotus, contribute to a deep and rich sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the White Lotus enhances the overall typing experience and sound by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both switches offer a premium feel and unique sound characteristics, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The U4 has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the White Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the White Lotus requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the U4. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the U4 requires 62 grams of force, while the White Lotus requires 56 grams. This makes the U4 slightly heavier to bottom out compared to the White Lotus.

Considering the weight aspect, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. In this case, the White Lotus with its lower actuation force would be a suitable choice, ensuring a lighter typing experience. Conversely, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the U4 with its higher actuation force would provide the desired level of resistance.

In conclusion, while the actuation forces of the Gazzew U4 and Durock White Lotus switches differ slightly, both can provide a medium pressure keystroke experience. Additionally, the heavier bottom out force of the U4 compared to the White Lotus ensures a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer it.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have different travel distances, with the U4 being shorter and the White Lotus being longer. The U4's travel distance of 3.6 mm is slightly shorter than the more traditional 4.0 mm, making it a favorable choice for individuals who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the White Lotus' longer travel distance of 4 mm may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is best described as muted and low-pitched. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The low-pitched tone adds a bass-heavy and mellow quality to the sound. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is also low-pitched, providing a similar bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the exact sound profiles of both switches may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, they both offer a quieter and more subtle auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump. Each keypress provides a strong and crisp feedback intensity, allowing typists to feel the distinct tactile bump with every stroke. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience. These switches require minimal force to activate, offering gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also provide a mild and subtle feel, with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Overall, both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the U4 focusing on a pronounced and sharp tactile bump, while the White Lotus prioritizes a low-impact and easy-to-press feel.

Considering the available information, it is clear that the Gazzew U4 and Durock White Lotus tactile switches provide distinct subjective qualities. The U4 offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. It also has a whisper-quiet sound profile. On the other hand, the White Lotus provides a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Its light actuation force and gentle resistance make typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column that allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects. While both switches offer their unique characteristics, they both prioritize a quieter typing experience and provide an enjoyable feel for typists. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose between the pronounced and sharp feedback of the U4 or the low-impact and easy-to-press feel of the White Lotus.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a felt-like bottom-out sensation and have a whisper quiet sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile option with a delicate tactility, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the better choice. These switches strike the perfect balance between tactile feedback and user comfort, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches offer vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. In terms of sound, the U4 provides a muted and low-pitched tone, while the White Lotus offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. When it comes to feel, the U4 is known for its sharp and intense tactile bump, while the White Lotus offers an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feel, bottom out force, sound, and RGB lighting.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more