Gazzew U4Tx RGB vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB and the HMX Vintage Citrus represent two distinct yet appealing options for different preferences and use cases. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its deep "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a quiet topping out that creates a refined auditory experience. This combination is perfect for typists seeking a luxurious feel and clear tactile feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or office environments. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, a linear switch, is engineered with gamers in mind. Its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. The bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel add to its appeal, delivering both responsiveness and enjoyment during gameplay. While both switches offer distinct benefits—one focusing on tactile feedback and refined sound for typists, and the other prioritizing speed and smoothness for gamers—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches present both similarities and distinctions that play a key role in their audio characteristics and tactile feedback. Both the U4Tx RGB and the Vintage Citrus feature softer plastic materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend often referred to as "boba plastic," while the Vintage Citrus employs nylon for its housing. Although the materials differ in their composition, they serve a similar purpose; both are designed to produce a rich, full sound due to their inherent softness, which aids in sound absorption. Consequently, users can expect a deep sound profile from both switches, making them well-suited for auditory preference in mechanical keyboard setups.

When examining the top and bottom housings of each switch, we see further parallels in how these materials contribute to the overall typing experience. The U4Tx RGB's top and bottom housings both utilize the Gazzew blend, promoting consistency in the switch's sound and feel. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Here, the nylon's characteristics play a pivotal role in shaping the overall audio experience, as it absorbs sound effectively, creating a round, duller sound profile. Though different in material, this similarity in approach allows both switches to achieve comparable outcomes, such as a muted sound when bottoming out or releasing the key.

It is important to consider how the individual impact of each housing material affects the overall performance of these switches. With the U4Tx RGB, the unified Gazzew blend across both housings creates a harmonized sound that minimizes any variances between the top and bottom sections. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus's nylon material is positioned to provide tactile feedback that feels softer upon key release and bottoms out, while still promoting a fuller sound experience. Therefore, while the housing materials differ between the two switches, it is their shared focus on achieving a rich sound profile through the use of softer plastics that provides similar auditory results, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience across both designs.

Weight

The Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offer distinct feel characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The U4Tx RGB has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that will provide a substantial typing experience, while the actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in weight would make the Vintage Citrus preferable for users seeking a lighter, less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended periods of use, such as in work or long gaming sessions. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to those who prefer more tactile feedback and a firmer push. As such, while the actuation force of the U4Tx RGB remains unknown, the heavier bottom out force paired with its unspecified actuation suggests it may provide a different typing dynamic compared to the comparatively lighter Vintage Citrus.

Travel distance

The Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the U4Tx RGB offers a slightly deeper feel when pressed, which can provide a more substantial tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy a richer depth in their key presses. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm distance, suits users who prefer a quicker, more responsive action, which is often favored by gamers for its efficiency in fast-paced environments. Therefore, for those who might feel that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel too abrupt, the U4Tx RGB would be the better choice, offering a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch is characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, complemented by a quieter "thock" at the top, creating a refined and luxurious auditory experience that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a bright, clacky sound profile, designed to appeal primarily to gamers who favor rapid keystrokes. While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, the louder and more pronounced clack of the Vintage Citrus may not provide the same level of subtlety and refinement as the U4Tx RGB.

When it comes to feel, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch provides a tactile bump that users find sharp and pronounced, adding an engaging feedback during typing. This tactile sensation is balanced with a smooth actuation that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed with an exceptionally low actuation force and a smooth push feel, making it particularly suitable for quick, repeated inputs often required by gamers. The tactile nature of the U4Tx RGB contrasts with the fluidity of the Vintage Citrus, resulting in a different engagement for typists versus gamers.

In summary, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out with its refined sound and tactile feedback ideal for typing enthusiasts, offering a luxurious experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus caters to gamers with its bright, clacky sound and smooth actuation that supports rapid keystroke inputs. Ultimately, the choice between these two types of switches will hinge on whether one prioritizes auditory refinement and tactile feedback or prefers speed and a smooth feel during gameplay.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you value a tactile feedback experience with a satisfying "thock" sound and a heavier bottom-out force, the U4Tx RGB is the way to go. This switch is ideal for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a refined auditory experience paired with a prominent tactile bump, making it perfect for extensive typing sessions or programming where feedback is essential. However, if you're a gamer seeking rapid responsiveness and a lighter touch, the Vintage Citrus switch is better suited for you, thanks to its low actuation force and smooth feel that enable quick key presses. Its clacky sound and fast actuation are particularly advantageous for gaming where split-second decisions count. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you prioritize sound, feel, and the typing experience versus gaming performance, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your keyboard needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more