Gazzew U4T vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both offer distinct yet compelling experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gazzew U4T is celebrated for its impressive balance of thockiness and tactility, delivering a rich, bassy 'thock' sound and sharp feedback that provides satisfying auditory and tactile gratification with every keystroke. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel and deep acoustics while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Dash, a refined reinterpretation of the Magnetic Jade, excels with its bright and clacky sound profile combined with a silky smooth keystroke that beckons to those who favor a seamless and fluid typing experience. Each switch has its unique allure: the U4T for its robust tactile feedback and immersive sound, and the WS Dash for its smoothness and modern flair. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will elevate your keyboard experience to new heights.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, notable distinctions emerge in both their construction and resulting auditory experiences. The U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, known for its soft characteristics that contribute to a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material renowned for its stiffness, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound. While the U4T’s softer plastic aims for warmth and depth in sound, the WS Dash’s polycarbonate blend creates a heightened pitch and clarity. This divergence in materials highlights how each switch can cater to different preferences among typists and gamers, allowing for a tailored approach to auditory feedback.
Delving deeper into the bottom housing details, both switches utilize different proprietary materials that influence their overall acoustic characteristics. The U4T opts for its Gazzew blend again, a continuation of the rich and deep sound profile established in its top housing, while the WS Dash employs nylon, a material steeped in classic switch design. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder auditory experience that contrasts with the sharper tones from polycarbonate. This difference becomes particularly relevant when considering the tactile experience of typing. For the U4T, the synergy of a softer top and bottom housing renders a consistent, warm profile, whereas the WS Dash’s combination promises a balance of crispness in release and depth upon bottoming out.
Both switches demonstrate how their individual materials influence the listening experience while also reflecting the balance of sound profiles achieved through their component designs. For users seeking a rich sound stage, the U4T might seem preferable due to the cohesive nature of its soft materials. Conversely, typists who favor a crisp, clear typing experience will likely be drawn to the WS Dash. Ultimately, despite their differing materials, the clear resonance achievable through the polycarbonate top of the WS Dash can match the rich quality of the U4T, particularly when paired with an appropriate bottom housing that supports a fuller acoustic experience, making both switches viable contenders in the tactile and auditory typing journey.
Weight
The Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The U4T's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Dash features a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions will favor the WS Dash, while those seeking a more forceful and substantial typing experience might lean towards the Gazzew U4T. Overall, the U4T requires more force to bottom out, providing a firmer feel, whereas the WS Dash allows for easier actuation and a softer bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gazzew U4T tactile switch with its 4 mm travel distance to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, which has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, it is clear that the U4T provides a more pronounced keypress experience. The difference of 0.5 mm means that the U4T may feel more substantial for those who prefer a heftier depth in their typing or gaming experience, which can be beneficial for tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Dash, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users seeking quicker response times, often favored by gamers for faster key actuation. Ultimately, if you value a more responsive feel, the WS Dash is the better option, while the U4T would appeal to those who appreciate a deeper, more deliberate keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
The Gazzew U4T 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
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch delivers a bassy and thocky auditory experience, giving your keystrokes a deep, resonant quality. Each press emits a rich, satisfying "thock" that resonates, creating a sound that is both immersive and substantial. This is especially notable when used on an appropriate board and with suitable keycaps, as the overall acoustic profile can be enhanced further. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch features a bright and clacky sound signature. While the specific acoustic traits are not detailed, the emphasis on a clacky quality suggests a lighter, more high-pitched sound which may contrast with the U4T's deeper resonance. Thus, those looking for a vibrant auditory feedback will find the WS Dash appealing, while those who prefer a softer, bass-heavy sound will gravitate towards the U4T.
Regarding feel, the U4T tactile switch stands out due to its sharp tactile feedback. Users can expect to experience a prominent and crisp tactile bump with each key press, offering a clear indication that the switch has been engaged. This strong feedback can enhance typing precision and satisfaction. The WS Dash switch, however, lacks a detailed description of its tactile characteristic, which leaves its feel somewhat uncertain. Therefore, if you prioritize a pronounced tactile experience, the U4T is the clear choice, while the tactile aspects of the WS Dash remain to be explored further.
In summary, both the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. The U4T excels with its deep, thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback, while the WS Dash provides a brighter, clackier engagement without a clear understanding of its tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice may correlate with your sound preferences—those seeking a deep thock will enjoy the U4T, while those who appreciate a lighter, more vibrant key response may opt for the WS Dash.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch should ultimately depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you relish a robust typing experience characterized by a satisfying 'thock' sound and a pronounced tactile bump, the U4Ts will likely resonate with you. Their medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams suits those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke, making them an excellent option for long typing sessions or gaming, where the feedback helps you maintain accuracy. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother, clackier experience that’s easy on the fingers, the WS Dash switches are your best bet. With their medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, these hall effect switches excel in providing a refined and enjoyable experience, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where rapid key presses are essential. So, consider the sound profile, tactile feedback, and force preferences as you select the switch that best complements your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
