Gazzew U4T vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, a linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The U4T is praised for its harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the WS Jade stands out for its use of a metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile, as well as a unique RGB display. While the U4T offers a bassy 'thock' sound and assertive tactile feedback, the WS Jade provides a creamy and smooth typing experience with a rock-solid bottom-out. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The U4T uses a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing, while the WS Jade uses POM for both top and bottom. Both switches aim to deliver a rich and deep sound profile, with the U4T's boba plastic offering a softer sound compared to the WS Jade's more muted sound from the POM material. Despite the different materials, both switches share similarities in providing a unique and pleasing sound experience.
In terms of sound profile, the Gazzew U4T's top and bottom housing materials contribute to a rich and deep sound with a softer touch, making typing a more enjoyable experience with its unique boba plastic blend. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade's POM top and bottom housing deliver a deeper and relatively more muted sound, providing a different typing feel compared to the U4T. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to offer a satisfying sound profile that caters to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the difference between the bottom and top housing materials can be felt in how the keypresses sound and feel. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Jade showcase how the choice of housing materials can play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch, offering enthusiasts a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The U4T has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the WS Jade with a bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the U4T is unspecified, while the WS Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams. The higher bottom out force of the U4T may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel, while the WS Jade's lighter actuation force could appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the U4T has a longer travel distance compared to the WS Jade. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. The U4T may provide a slightly deeper press compared to the WS Jade, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial key feel. On the other hand, the WS Jade's shorter travel distance could appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30.
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 U4T tactile switch is characterized by a deep bassy thockiness, providing a satisfying lower frequency range with a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offers a bright and resonant metallic sound with a unique combination of clacky and marbly characteristics, creating a sharp and clean higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the U4T focusing on a bassy thockiness and the WS Jade showcasing a bright and resonant sound with clacky and marbly tones.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch provides a silky and creamy typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the U4T emphasizing a sharp tactile bump and the WS Jade providing a smooth and buttery typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The U4T excels in providing a bassy thocky sound profile paired with sharp tactile feedback, while the WS Jade stands out with its bright metallic resonant sound and silky creamy typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, utilizing either of these switches will result in a unique and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bassy and thocky sound profile with sharp tactile feedback, the U4T may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and metallic sound profile with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the WS Jade could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you value most.
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