Gazzew U4 vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4 and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch. The Gazzew U4 is renowned for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, coupled with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai stands out for its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, resulting in a bouncy and clacky typing feel with a creamy sound profile. While the U4 offers a muted, low-pitched, and sharp typing experience, the Xinhai provides a bouncy, clacky, and creamy sensation. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4 features a proprietary blend of plastic in both its top and bottom housing, which is often referred to as "boba plastic." This material delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, offering a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Xinhai uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile that is softer and more absorbent than polycarbonate.
While both the Gazzew U4 and the HMX Xinhai prioritize sound quality in their housing materials, they achieve this in different ways. The Gazzew U4's boba plastic blend offers a softness that contributes to its rich and deep sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a more distinct typing feedback. The nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai adds to the overall sound experience by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile that is softer and more absorbent compared to the boba plastic used in the U4's bottom housing.
While the Gazzew U4 and the HMX Xinhai use different materials for their housing, they both aim to enhance the sound quality of the switches. The boba plastic blend in the U4's housing provides a rich and deep sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Xinhai creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai offers a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the U4's bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their housing materials, catering to users with different preferences for sound feedback.
Weight
The Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The U4 is better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, while the Xinhai is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches have different force requirements, so users can choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for users looking for quicker response times. However, the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. Gamers and users who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may find the U4 more suitable, while those who prioritize speed and quick activation may lean towards the Xinhai. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, providing a faster typing experience overall.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 tactile switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. Depending on your preference for sound, the U4 provides a more subtle and subdued typing experience, while the Xinhai offers a more crisp and vibrant auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is described as sharp, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This high feedback intensity gives users a distinct tactile sensation that enhances typing accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, giving keys a spring-like response and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The lively rebound of the Xinhai switch contrasts with the precise feedback of the U4, providing users with different tactile experiences to suit their typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the U4 provides a muted, low-pitched sound and a sharp, intense tactile feedback, the Xinhai offers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy typing sensation. Depending on whether you prefer a quieter, more subdued typing experience or a crisper, more vibrant feel, you can choose between these switches to tailor your mechanical keyboard to your personal preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so experimenting with both may provide insight into your preferred switch type.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gazzew U4 tactile switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump with a plush bottom-out sensation, then the U4 switch may be the right choice for you. The U4 is best suited for those who prefer a muted and low-pitched sound profile, along with a sharp and intense tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a unique acoustics profile with a crisp and bouncy feel, then the Xinhai switch could be the better option for you. The Xinhai switch is ideal for those who enjoy a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy typing experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style to enhance your overall typing experience.
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