Gazzew U4Tx RGB vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4Tx RGB and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB and Gateron Weightlessness offer distinctly different tactile experiences despite both being categorized as tactile switches. The U4Tx RGB switches are celebrated for their luxurious typing experience, characterized by a pronounced "thock" sound upon bottoming out and a quiet, stealthy feel when topping out, creating a refined auditory ambiance along with a sharp tactile bump that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, delivering a balanced acoustic profile that harmonizes with their tactile feedback for a comfortable typing experience. Those seeking a more pronounced auditory and tactile interaction may gravitate toward the U4Tx RGB, while users who prefer a smoother yet still noticeable feedback might find the Weightlessness switches to be more appealing. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 Korean spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB and Gateron Weightlessness, we observe significant similarities and differences that may influence user experience. The U4Tx RGB features a proprietary blend of plastics often referred to as "boba plastic" for both the top and bottom housings. This material is engineered to be soft, contributing to a rich and deep sound profile. The Gateron Weightlessness, on the other hand, utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for its classic characteristics, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as well due to its inherent softness, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. While both switches utilize softer plastics designed to enhance sound, the specific compositions of the materials vary.
In terms of sound quality, the distinct materials utilized in each switch play a key role in how they perform under typing conditions. The U4Tx RGB offers a unique auditory experience through its proprietary boba plastic blend, which is tailored to maximize sound dampening and resonance. This design philosophy is similar to the Gateron Weightlessness, where the nylon allows for an equally pleasant typing noise, resulting in a rounder and duller sound overall. However, the nuances in their sound profiles may still differ; the proprietary nature of the Gazzew blend could bring about a richer emphasis in certain frequencies compared to the more conventional nylon.
Ultimately, if one were to use both switches interchangeably, they might find that while the materials are different, the results—especially concerning the sound quality and feel—can lead to a comparable typing experience. The effect of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom, with the bottom housing having a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing shapes the release sound. Thus, despite their differences, users can expect a satisfying auditory and tactile response from both switches, thanks in large part to the soft nature of their materials, which ultimately enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The U4Tx RGB lacks a specified actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy and suggests that it requires a significant amount of force to fully depress the key. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch has a defined actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires less force to activate a keystroke, making it the lighter option between the two. However, its bottom out force is not provided, leaving an incomplete comparison in this regard. For users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Weightlessness may be more appealing; conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, despite the lack of specified actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the U4Tx RGB offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the U4Tx RGB the option with more key travel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel with hearty feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its 3.4 mm travel distance, may be preferable for gamers or typists seeking quicker response times due to the more abrupt actuation. Overall, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding the tactile experience and responsiveness, with the U4Tx RGB providing a longer travel distance for a deeper feel, and the Weightlessness offering a shorter option for those who favor a snappier actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
The Gazzew U4Tx RGB 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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is renowned for its deep "thock" produced upon bottoming out, combined with the quiet stealth of the switch topping out, creating a refined and satisfying auditory experience. This gives the U4Tx a premium acoustic profile that many users find appealing for both typing and gaming. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a sound profile that is balanced, resulting in a subtle to moderate auditory response that complements its tactile characteristics. While both switches provide quality sound, the U4Tx RGB stands out with its fuller, deeper tones, while the Weightlessness switch tends to be more subdued.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the U4Tx RGB switch is celebrated for its sharp tactile bump, which adds to the luxurious typing experience, making it distinctly satisfying with every keystroke. This pronounced tactile feedback is accompanied by a smooth overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch provides a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, allowing for a less pronounced feedback that might be more preferable for those who enjoy a softer touch while still retaining a certain level of tactility. Although both switches aim to provide a tactile experience, the U4Tx RGB is geared towards users who enjoy a more noticeable bump, while the Weightlessness caters to those who prefer a gentler tactile response.
In conclusion, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch both deliver unique qualities, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The U4Tx excels in providing a rich auditory experience with a pronounced tactile bump, making it ideal for those who appreciate luxurious feedback and pronounced sound. In contrast, the Weightlessness offers a more balanced sound profile and a softer tactile sensation, appealing to users looking for a subtler experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, as well as the specific setup of your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a medium-heavy typing experience that offers a satisfying "thock" sound and a pronounced tactile bump, the U4Tx RGB is your go-to option. Its 65-gram bottom-out force provides a substantial feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more deliberate, responsive keypress. Additionally, if you're opting for a refined sound profile with a luxurious typing experience, the U4Tx RGB will excel in those areas. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter and more subtle tactile experience, the Weightlessness switch might be more suitable for you. This switch delivers a moderate tactile feedback combined with a balanced sound profile, making it a great choice for extended typing sessions where comfort is essential. Ultimately, you'll want to consider your typing style, sound preference, and the overall experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard to make the best choice between these two excellent switches.
Mentioned in this article
