Gazzew U4T vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4T and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Gazzew U4T and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The Gazzew U4T is celebrated for its remarkable 'thock' sound profile, combining a deep, resonant bass with sharp tactile feedback that brings a satisfying experience to every keystroke. This tactile switch is ideal for users who enjoy both auditory and tactile sensations while typing, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a linear switch experience characterized by its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. Crafted with a unique PA12 top housing to enhance acoustics and a POM stem that contributes to a crisp, high-pitched resonance, the Xinhai caters to those who prefer a quieter typing experience without tactile bumps. While the U4T excels in providing a rich tactile and auditory experience, the Xinhai focuses on delivering a subtle sophistication perfect for a seamless, efficient typing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gazzew U4T and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) in terms of housing materials, both utilize plastics that are characterized by their softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. The U4T employs a proprietary Gazzew blend often dubbed "boba plastic." This blend is designed to enhance acoustic properties, leading to a warmer sound signature that can be pleasant to the listener. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes nylon, a traditional switch housing material known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This absorption leads to a fuller acoustic experience, providing a duller and rounder sound. While both materials serve to soften the overall sound profile, the U4T’s proprietary blend is specifically engineered for this purpose, potentially providing a distinct tonal quality compared to the more conventional nylon found in the Xinhai.
Looking at the bottom housing, the U4T’s proprietary Gazzew blend again plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. Similar to the top housing, this material's softness helps to create a rich sound signature when the keys bottom out. Meanwhile, the nylon utilized by the Xinhai (Heavy) retains a classic and effective sound-absorbing quality, resulting in a deep and full auditory feedback. The contrasting materials suggest that while they both aim for a softer acoustic profile, their sources and formulations offer different tactile experiences. The Gazzew blend emphasizes an engineered sound, which may appeal to enthusiasts seeking unique characteristics, while the nylon offers a reliability grounded in traditional design.
Ultimately, when it comes to sound experience, both the Gazzew U4T and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) deliver deep auditory profiles, albeit through different material compositions. If the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, as they are in these models, the specific qualities of each material will influence the overall sound and feel distinctly. Keypresses will yield varying experiences where the Gazzew's engineered profiles may stand out in specific tones on release, while the nylon components will dominate during the act of bottoming out. This means that while users can achieve a satisfying acoustic experience with either option, the subtleties in sound character will vary depending on the specific material interactions present in each switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew U4T tactile switch to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The U4T does not have a specified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare that aspect with the Xinhai, which has a defined actuation force of 55 grams. This means that while the U4T might provide a unique typing experience, the Xinhai offers a lighter touch for the actuation, which some users may prefer for extended typing sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the U4T has a strength of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Xinhai's bottom out force of 62.5 grams. Thus, the U4T requires a more significant effort to bottom out compared to the Xinhai. This heavy feel may appeal to users who prefer a substantial typing experience. In summary, the U4T is heavier overall due to its bottom out force, while the Xinhai is lighter in terms of actuation, catering to different user preferences for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that the U4T offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures at 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the U4T provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper key press for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch can be advantageous for gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances generally allow for faster actuation. Consequently, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Xinhai (Heavy) would be the preferable choice, while the Gazzew U4T would suit those who prefer a more robust feel with its greater depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 is distinguished by its rich, thocky profile that produces a bassy resonance upon keypress. The deeper sound is characterized by a satisfying "thud" that resonates throughout keys, offering a gratifying auditory experience with each keystroke. This tactile feedback, combined with the unique characteristics of the switch housing and keycaps used, contributes to a fuller sound profile that many prefer for its depth and richness. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is crafted with a PA12 top housing which leads to a softer acoustic profile along with a POM stem that supplies a higher-pitched, crisp resonance. The result is a more refined, less aggressive sound compared to the U4T, making it suitable for those who value subtlety in their typing experiences.
In terms of tactile feel, the U4T shines with its sharp tactile bump, delivering strong and distinctly noticeable feedback on every keystroke. This sharpness enhances the overall typing experience, providing a vivid sensation that typists can feel with clarity. Its pronounced feedback can lead to a more engaging and interactive feel while typing or gaming. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy), being a linear switch, does not incorporate tactile feedback in the same way, focusing instead on a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience. This leads to an entirely different feel, eliminating the tactile bump while delivering consistent actuation with ease, appealing to those who prefer a smooth, noiseless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4T offers a unique blend of thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback, appealing to those who appreciate a robust auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch provides a softer sound with a continuous typing feel, highlighting precision and subtlety. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference, with the U4T favoring those who enjoy a more aggressive and engaging interaction, while the Xinhai caters to those seeking smoothness and sophistication in their keystrokes. Both options promise satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences, tailored to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding key feel and sound characteristics. If you are someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile experience coupled with an exhilarating acoustic profile, the U4T should be your go-to option. Its distinct thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback provide a satisfying keystroke that many typists and gamers find immensely enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear feel with less tactile interruption, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) might be the ideal choice for you. With its medium actuation force and sophisticated acoustic nuances due to the PA12 top housing, this switch offers subtle sophistication and precision, making it suitable for both gaming and extended typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a more linear and refined typing experience when selecting between these two excellent options.
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