Gazzew U4 vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4 and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two notable contenders are the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch. The Gazzew U4 is celebrated for its exquisite tactile bump, providing a sharp typing experience alongside a remarkably plush bottom-out feel, all while maintaining a whisper-quiet sound profile that is perfect for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Dash switches offer a bright and clacky sound signature combined with a silky smooth keystroke, making them a delightful choice for those who love auditory feedback in their typing rhythm. The Gazzew U4 excels in subtlety and refinement, ideal for users seeking a muted yet tactile experience, while the WS Dash appeals to those looking for a more lively and resonant interaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4 and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches represent two distinct approaches to housing materials that ultimately shape their acoustic fingerprints and user experiences. The U4 employs a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic," which is recognized for its softness. This material contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, enhancing the tactile experience during key presses. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that elevates the switch's sound to a sharper and crisper chorus. Thanks to its translucency, polycarbonate is also well-suited for RGB applications, allowing for a visual complement to the auditory experience. As a result, users seeking a softer auditory experience might lean towards the U4, while those who prefer clarity and brilliance may gravitate towards the WS Dash.
The bottom housings of both switches offer differing material choices that further impact the sound profile. The Gazzew U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend similar to its top housing, fostering the same soft and rich sound character that users enjoy. On the other hand, the WS Dash employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in materials plays a critical role in the overall sound and feel of each switch. With the U4's combined housings working together to create a smooth auditory experience, users can expect deep and resonant sounds. In contrast, the nylon of the WS Dash contributes to the more subdued and rounded bottom-out sound, making it distinct but harmonious with its top polycarbonate housing.
In essence, while the Gazzew U4 and Wuque Studio WS Dash utilize different materials for their respective housings, both switches are engineered to create a complementary sound experience. For instance, if a user wishes to achieve similar results in terms of deep and rich sound, one can experiment by pairing the U4's top housing with the WS Dash's bottom housing—leveraging the top's softness while benefiting from the bottom's substantial qualities. Conversely, using the U4's bottom with the WS Dash's top could yield a combination of richness with added clarity from the polycarbonate. Ultimately, both switch designs embody unique interactions of their materials, yet they can also be mixed and matched to cultivate a customized auditory experience that satisfies diverse user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces come into play. The U4 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it in the medium-light category. This means that the U4 requires more effort to actuate and bottom out, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience while typing or gaming. Conversely, the lighter force of the WS Dash allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming without fatigue. Ultimately, the U4 is the heavier option, providing a firmer feel, while the WS Dash offers a lighter touch, which may be more comfortable for some users depending on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the U4 features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Dash measures at 3.5 mm. This difference of only 0.1 mm highlights a subtle yet potentially significant distinction for users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel might lean towards the WS Dash, as its shorter travel distance can provide quicker actuation, ideal for gaming scenarios. Conversely, users who enjoy a more substantial depth in their keystrokes may find the Gazzew U4 more appealing with its greater travel distance, offering a more pronounced tactile experience. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the U4 presents an option for those seeking a heartier depth, whereas the WS Dash caters to those who prioritize swift response times.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 it comes to sound, the Gazzew U4 switches offer a notably muted and low-pitched auditory experience, making them ideal for environments where noise control is a priority. Their whisper-quiet operation ensures that each keystroke generates minimal sound, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature, bringing an energetic auditory feedback to typing sessions. This clackiness can appeal to those who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes, adding a lively element to the overall typing environment. Ultimately, while the U4 is designed to be discreet, the WS Dash invites a more expressive sound profile, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4 switches are characterized by their sharp tactile feedback. Each keypress provides a distinct and exhilarating tactile bump that can be felt strongly, making them particularly satisfying for typists who appreciate clear feedback during their typing sessions. The plush, felt-like sensation at the bottom out also enhances the overall tactile experience, cushioning the impact of each keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the WS Dash is currently unspecified, leaving room for users to explore their tactile characteristics. This uncertainty makes it difficult to make a direct comparison, but it does imply that the experience with the WS Dash may differ significantly depending on its design parameters.
In summary, the Gazzew U4 switches present a harmonious blend of muted sound and a pronounced tactile feel that appeals to those seeking a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Dash offers a more vibrant auditory presence, complementing its keystrokes with a clackiness that many users might find enjoyable. As each switch caters to different preferences—quiet sophistication versus lively acoustics—newcomers can choose based on their desired typing environment and experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, your typing preferences and environment will play a significant role. If you seek a tactile experience that offers a pronounced bump accompanied by a pleasingly plush bottom-out feel, the U4 is the way to go. These switches provide a muted, low-pitched sound profile, making them ideal for quiet workspaces or situations where minimal noise is desired. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a brighter, clacky sound, the WS Dash’s hall effect design offers a smooth keystroke experience that combines refinement with a playful auditory feedback. This makes them a great option for gamers or those who enjoy a lively typing sound. Overall, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a tactile yet quiet experience (U4) or a lighter touch with vibrant auditory feedback (WS Dash).
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