Gazzew U4 vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4 and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are thrilled to present to you two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew U4 and the SP-Star Yanyu. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences and needs. The Gazzew U4 is renowned for its silent tactile design, providing users with a satisfying and exhilarating tactile bump while typing. Additionally, it offers a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, making each keystroke incredibly comfortable. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience, especially during long periods of use. Its material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, adding a touch of elegance to every keystroke. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let us delve deeper into their specifics to help you determine the ideal switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew U4 and the SP-Star Yanyu share some similarities, as both switches utilize proprietary plastic blends. The U4's Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," provides a softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. Similarly, the Yanyu features a top housing made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which offers a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side. While both switches deliver unique sound profiles, they differ in terms of the specific characteristics they emphasize.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gazzew U4 and the SP-Star Yanyu again incorporate their respective proprietary plastic blends. The U4's Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to its softness, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile when the switch is bottomed out. On the other hand, the Yanyu's bottom housing, made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, offers a unique sound profile that is characterized as pleasant and slightly brighter. Therefore, when pressing down on these switches, the bottom housing's qualities become more pronounced, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
When it comes to the impact of the top housing, the Gazzew U4 and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in their sound characteristics upon key release. The U4's Gazzew blend top housing, known for its softness, contributes to the switch's sound profile when a key is released. In contrast, the Yanyu's top housing, composed of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, offers a distinctive sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. As a result, the top housing of these switches influences the sound that is produced when a key is let go.
Overall, while the Gazzew U4 and the SP-Star Yanyu share similarities in their usage of proprietary plastic blends for their top and bottom housings, they possess distinct sound profiles due to their unique composition. The U4 focuses on delivering a rich and deep sound, while the Yanyu aims for a pleasant and slightly brighter sound. The specific characteristics of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and the sound when keys are released. Therefore, both switches offer unique experiences, providing varied sound profiles for keyboard enthusiasts to explore.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see some significant differences. The U4 has a medium actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. On the other hand, the Yanyu's actuation force is unavailable, but it has a light bottom out force of 43 grams.
In terms of weight, the U4 can be considered heavier with its higher bottom out force. This may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. However, it's worth noting that the actuation force of the U4 is the same as the bottom out force of the Yanyu. Therefore, if one is looking for a lighter typing experience, the Yanyu could provide similar results.
Weight is an essential factor to consider for different typists. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Yanyu, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This would be ideal for individuals using keyboards for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more robust typing experience may find the U4 to be a better fit due to its heavier forces.
Overall, while the U4 and Yanyu switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, they offer varying options to cater to different preferences. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, both switches provide alternatives that can enhance typing efficiency and comfort.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Yanyu has a slightly longer distance compared to the U4. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the U4 being slightly shallower and the Yanyu being closer to the most common 4.0 mm distance. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the U4 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Yanyu. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness for the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 is best described as having a muted and low-pitched sound profile. Muted switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, which makes them ideal for minimizing noise. Additionally, the lower pitch of the U4 switch creates a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is described as having a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic. Neutral switches have a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, while the thocky feature provides a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, while the U4 offers a more muted and low-pitched sound, the Yanyu provides a neutral sound with a satisfying thocky quality.
As for the feel, the Gazzew U4 is known for its sharp tactile feedback. This means that the switch offers a high-intensity feedback with a distinct tactile bump felt with every keypress. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu offers a more mild and approachable typing experience. It falls into the category of a mild switch, which means it provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Yanyu switch is also described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires minimal exertion. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions and reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is described as having a subtle and polished feel, indicating a gentle resistance, smooth key travel, and refined finish. Overall, while the U4 provides a sharp tactile feedback, the Yanyu offers a milder and more comfortable typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gazzew U4 and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer different subjective qualities. The U4 has a sound profile that is muted and low-pitched, making it a good choice for those who prefer a softer and quieter typing experience. Additionally, the U4 provides a sharp tactile feedback, resulting in a high-intensity typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a more neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic, offering a moderate sound suitable for various purposes. The Yanyu switch also offers a milder and more comfortable typing experience, with its feathery, subtle, and polished qualities. Overall, depending on one's preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities tailored to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 would be a great choice for you. Not only does it provide a satisfying typing experience, but it also offers a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Additionally, the U4 has a sound profile that is whisper quiet, making it ideal for situations where noise is a concern.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a better fit for you. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, the Yanyu requires little exertion from your fingers and reduces finger fatigue. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu also has a crisp sound profile, giving it a satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed.
In terms of sound, the U4 switch is described as muted and low-pitched, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards and providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is described as neutral and thocky, making it suitable for most intents and purposes and producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound.
In terms of feel, the U4 switch is described as sharp, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience, requires little exertion from your fingers, has a light typing feel, and provides a smooth and refined finish.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch depends on your preferred typing experience. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force, sharp tactile bump, and whisper quiet sound, the U4 is the way to go. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, delicate typing experience, and satisfying "thocky" sound, the Yanyu would be the better choice. Consider your preferences and needs in terms of sound and feel when making your decision.
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