Gazzew U4 vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4 and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are thrilled to present two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique and enticing features: the Gazzew U4 and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. On one hand, the Gazzew U4 is renowned for its silent tactile experience, providing users with a pronounced and exhilarating tactile bump while maintaining a surprisingly soft bottom-out sensation. The U4s are also celebrated for their whisper-quiet sound profile, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a more subdued keyboard. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, delivering a smooth and satisfying keystroke feel that is incredibly pleasing. The Wuque Studio Onions also offer a crisp and responsive touch, coupled with a neutral sound profile. In summary, the U4s excel in providing a muted, low-pitched, and sharp tactile experience, while the WS Onions offer a neutral, buttery, and polished keystroke. However, let's delve deeper into these switches to help you make the best decision based on your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4 and the Wuque Studio WS Onion differ in terms of their housing materials. The U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which creates a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the WS Onion utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and resonant sound. Additionally, the WS Onion's translucent polycarbonate top housing is particularly useful if you plan to use RGB lighting. While both materials create distinct sound characteristics, their differences in softness and stiffness contribute to varying sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend and the WS Onion's nylon materials create contrasting sound profiles. The U4's boba plastic delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness, while the WS Onion's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the choice of bottom housing material affects the overall sound profile of the switches.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the overall typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The qualities of the U4's boba plastic or the WS Onion's nylon material will be felt when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in each switch will result in distinct typing experiences, with softer bottom housing materials providing a deeper sound on key presses and top housing materials dictating the sound upon key release. However, if the top and bottom housings are the same for a particular switch, similar results can be expected for both the press and release sounds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are a few noteworthy differences. In terms of weight, the U4 has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Onion is currently unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier at a medium-heavy level.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the U4 would be a suitable choice as its actuation force is relatively low. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the WS Onion with its slightly heavier bottom out force may be a better fit.
It is important to note that while the actuation force of the WS Onion is not specified, it is possible that it could be similar to the U4, resulting in a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference will play a key role in choosing between these switches, with some favoring the lighter touch of the U4 and others opting for the heavier push of the WS Onion for a more robust typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have different travel distances. The U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Onion has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the WS Onion has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the U4. The WS Onion's 4.0 mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, providing a comfortable depth for typing or gaming. On the other hand, the U4's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time. However, some individuals may find the U4's shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer the greater depth provided by the WS Onion. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew U4 switches are best described as muted and low-pitched. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, minimizing the typical noise associated with keyboards. Additionally, their low-pitched tone adds a bass-heavy and mellow quality to the sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches have a neutral sound profile. They neither have an overly loud nor a particularly quiet sound, making them suitable for a variety of purposes and environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gazzew U4 switches are characterized by a sharp tactile feedback. This means that they offer a high level of feedback intensity with a distinct and prominent tactile bump felt with each keypress. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches provide a buttery and polished feel. "Buttery" refers to the smooth and fluid keystroke experience these switches offer, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubrication.
Considering the available information, the Gazzew U4 switches excel in providing a silent and muted sound with a low-pitched tone, while offering a sharp and intense tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches provide a neutral sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke feel, with a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. While both switches offer unique qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences and the intended use of the keyboard. If a quiet and low-pitched sound with a sharp tactile feedback is desired, the Gazzew U4 switches would be a suitable choice. If a neutral sound profile and a smooth, effortless typing experience is preferred, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches would be the recommended option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gazzew U4 is a fantastic choice. It offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump that provides a strong and crisp feedback intensity. Additionally, the U4 has a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation that adds to the typing experience. It also has a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a quieter option compared to regular mechanical switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Onion is an excellent option. It offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying and provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The WS Onion has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're seeking. Whether you prioritize a strong tactile bump and a muted sound profile with the Gazzew U4, or a smooth and polished typing experience with the Wuque Studio WS Onion, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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