Gazzew U4 vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gazzew U4 switches are celebrated for their unique combination of a pronounced tactile bump and a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, making them an ideal choice for those who enjoy a distinct tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. Their muted sound profile adds to the serene typing experience, appealing to users who prefer quiet operation in shared environments. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches offer a different appeal; with a heavier feel and a high-pitched resonance thanks to their PA12 top housing and POM stem, these linear switches favor a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke that can enhance typing speed and fluidity. For users who prioritize a seamless and swift typing experience, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stands out as an excellent choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew U4 Tactile

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew U4 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct characteristics that influence their acoustic performance when typing. The U4 utilizes a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings, which is designed to provide a rich and deep sound profile primarily due to its inherent softness. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a traditional nylon housing for both the top and bottom, which is noted for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile while absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics. Overall, while both use different materials, they aim for similar auditory results, oriented toward creating a pleasant typing experience characterized by enriched sound.

When comparing the top housing specifically, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend resembles the characteristics of the nylon used in the Xinhai (Heavy). Both materials exhibit softness that contributes to a muted, resonant sound profile. The U4’s "boba plastic" provides a tactile softness that mirrors some of the acoustic benefits of the nylon in the Xinhai (Heavy), meaning that both switches are designed with user experience in mind, focusing on producing a sound that is not overly sharp or piercing. This inherent softness in each switch's upper housing leads to a similarity in how they perform acoustically, especially during key release, where sound quality is significantly affected.

Examining the bottom housing presents a slightly different perspective, as both switches employ different materials with similar purposes. The Gazzew's proprietary blend continues to deliver that same rich sound experience, while the nylon used in the Xinhai (Heavy) also supports a softer bottom-out feel. Given that the bottom housing ultimately influences the bottom-out sound and typing experience, both designs succeed in offering a satisfying typing sensation. Despite their material differences, the U4 and Xinhai (Heavy) share a mutual goal: to create a smooth, appealing auditory experience that caters to typists' preferences, thus achieving comparable results in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable distinctions in actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are quite similar. The U4 requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 55 grams needed for the Xinhai, making the U4 the preferable choice for those who favor a lighter touch, enhancing typing comfort over extended periods. However, both switches have nearly equivalent bottom out forces, with the U4 at 62 grams and the Xinhai at 62.5 grams. This similarity in bottom out force means that while the U4 offers a lighter typing experience overall, both switches exhibit a comparable level of resistance when fully pressed down, providing a substantial feel for users who seek that feedback. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that strikes a balance between comfort and tactile feedback, the choice between these switches ultimately hinges on your preference for actuation weight.

Travel distance

The Gazzew U4 tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the U4 provides a deeper key press experience, which may be more favorable for users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the U4 is the longer option and may be better suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth, whereas the Xinhai offers a more immediate feel for users who prioritize speed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is characterized by its muted low-pitched tone, which produces a softer and quieter typing experience. This whisper-quiet operation greatly minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for quieter environments. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch features a unique construction that allows for a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance, thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem. As such, the Xinhai provides a sound profile that leans more toward subtle sophistication while still maintaining clarity. Overall, while the U4 offers a more subdued acoustic experience, the Xinhai delivers a precise and sharper sound that should appeal to different user preferences.

In terms of feel, the U4 stands out with its sharp tactile feedback, delivering a distinct and exhilarating tactile bump with each keypress. This intense feedback allows typists to feel each actuation clearly, enhancing the typing experience. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is unknown in terms of tactile feedback since its description does not provide specific characteristics of its feel. This absence makes it hard to draw a direct comparison on the tactile experience, but the nature of linear switches generally provides a smoother and more consistent keypress without the tactile bump found in the U4.

In conclusion, the Gazzew U4 tactile switches offer a muted, low-pitched sound paired with a sharp tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer a quiet yet responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch provides a crisp sound with an elegantly higher pitch, appealing to those who prioritize clarity. While the U4 is well-defined by its tactile nature, the Xinhai’s feel remains uncertain, suggesting that users might find similar results in different aspects but could still appreciate the unique qualities each switch has to offer.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a pronounced tactile feedback, appreciate a plush, less jarring bottom-out sensation, and require a whisper-quiet operation, the U4 would be an excellent choice for your mechanical keyboard. It's particularly ideal for an office environment or shared spaces, where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, if you seek a linear switch that offers a bit more weight for those who enjoy a firmer feel during key presses, the Xinhai (Heavy) is well-suited for you. With its unique acoustics profile and crisp resonance, this switch shines in gaming scenarios or tasks requiring rapid key actuation, where smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes are essential. By considering the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard, you can confidently choose the switch that enhances your typing experience most effectively.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more