Gazzew U4T vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

The Gazzew U4T and the Durock White Lotus are both tactile switches that offer unique characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The U4T is renowned for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, resulting in a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with every keystroke. It has a deep bassy 'thock' sound profile, accompanied by an assertive tactile feedback. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. These switches are ideal for extended typing sessions and work, providing a tranquil typing experience without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your preferences.

By the numbers

Gazzew U4T Tactile

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gazzew U4T and the Durock White Lotus differ in their housing materials, but both aim to deliver exceptional sound profiles. The U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic." This unique blend of plastic contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its softness. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend for its top housing. This combination lends the switch a distinctive and premium feel. While the U4T focuses on creating a rich sound, the White Lotus prioritizes a high-quality tactile experience.

In terms of the bottom housing, the U4T maintains its use of the proprietary Gazzew blend, which aligns with its emphasis on sound. This special blend of plastic produces a softness that enhances the rich and deep sound profile of the switch. Conversely, the White Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known to be a classic switch housing material that creates a deeper and fuller sound. Its relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing of the White Lotus contributes to a more subdued and mellow auditory experience.

While the top and bottom housings vary between the two switches, they both play crucial roles in determining the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on the U4T switch, the bottom housing's qualities become noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the sound produced when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing. Similarly, the White Lotus follows this pattern, where the top housing's characteristics are more prominent when letting go of a key. Therefore, despite the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to provide satisfying auditory experiences, albeit with slightly distinctive qualities.

Overall, the Gazzew U4T and the Durock White Lotus differ in their choice of housing materials, with the U4T employing a proprietary Gazzew blend and the White Lotus utilizing modified PC, UPE, and nylon. While the U4T focuses on delivering a rich and deep sound profile, the White Lotus emphasizes a premium and tactile feel. The bottom housing contributes significantly to the sound and feel of each switch, with the U4T's Gazzew blend enhancing the bottom-out sound, and the White Lotus's nylon creating a deeper, fuller sound. However, when it comes to releasing a key, the qualities of the top housing become more apparent for both switches. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Gazzew U4T or the Durock White Lotus, you can expect a satisfying auditory experience tailored to your preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The U4T has an actuation force that is unfortunately unavailable in the given information. However, its bottom out force is measured at 62 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of heaviness. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch has an actuation force of 46 grams, making it lighter than the U4T. Its bottom out force is 56 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.

Considering the weight of the switches, it becomes evident that those seeking a lighter typing experience might lean towards the White Lotus switch. Its lower actuation force of 46 grams allows for smoother and faster keystrokes, making it suitable for tasks that require extended periods of typing, such as office work or long gaming sessions. The U4T, due to the unavailability of its actuation force, remains a bit of a mystery in terms of its suitability for lighter typing preferences.

However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the U4T may prove to be a better choice. With its higher bottom out force of 62 grams, there is a more pronounced resistance when pressing the keys, resulting in a satisfying and substantial push feel. For those who enjoy this sensation while typing, the U4T would be the more appropriate option.

In terms of bottom out force, both switches are relatively close, with the U4T being slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the White Lotus's 56 grams. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the ultimate act of pressing the key all the way down. However, the actuation force, which determines the initial force required to trigger a keystroke, remains unknown for the U4T. Thus, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two in this aspect.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gazzew U4T and the Durock White Lotus will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight. Those seeking a lighter and smoother typing experience may gravitate towards the White Lotus, while those desiring a more substantial and tactile feel may prefer the U4T.

Travel distance

Both the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance traveled for both switches. So, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the U4T and the White Lotus switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew U4T switches have a distinctive bassy thock sound profile that emits a deep and rich resonance during key presses. This sound can be likened to a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock." On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches offer a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. These switches have a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced typist. However, it's important to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4T switches provide a sharp tactile feedback with a strong and crisp tactile bump. This intense feedback is distinctly felt with each keystroke, offering a high level of tactility. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are known for being easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches offer a mild typing experience, with qualities that fall within a safe middle-ground. They provide a subtle resistance and a low-impact typing feel, making them approachable and suitable for most typists.

Considering the available information, the Gazzew U4T switches stand out for their bassy thock sound profile and sharp tactile feedback. These switches embody a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches offer a delicate tactility and a low-pitched sound profile, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you're looking for a bassy and intense tactile experience, the U4T switches are the way to go. If you prefer a lighter touch and a more mellow sound, the White Lotus switches are a great choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a bassy 'thock' sound profile, paired with an assertive tactile feedback, providing auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance without overwhelming you, the Durock White Lotus switches are the way to go. These switches offer a gentle and easy-to-press typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches allow for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew U4T and Durock White Lotus switches comes down to your preference for thockiness and sharp tactility or a light and easy-to-press typing experience with mesmerizing RGB illumination.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more