Gazzew U4Tx vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4Tx and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew U4Tx and HMX Vintage Citrus present two compelling choices that cater to different user preferences. The U4Tx, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its unique sound profile that combines a deep, resonant "thock" when bottomed out with a whisper-quiet release, offering a luxurious typing experience marked by a satisfying tactile bump. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value both auditory pleasure and tactile feedback in their typing, ideal for writers and enthusiasts who seek a blend of acoustics and performance. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an incredibly low actuation force and a bright, clacky sound that enhances rapid key presses, providing a smooth experience that’s perfect for high-speed and precise gameplay. While the U4Tx caters to a more tactile and muted experience, the Vintage Citrus appeals to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your personal needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gazzew U4Tx and HMX Vintage Citrus, both switches utilize materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles, yet they differ in terms of composition. The U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend of plastic, often referred to as "boba plastic," for both the top and bottom housings. This unique blend is designed to create a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, allowing it to provide a balanced audio experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus incorporates nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a traditional material in keyboard switches that is known for its own ability to deliver deeper and fuller sound. The use of nylon contributes to a sound that is rounder and more muted because of its sound-absorbing characteristics.
In terms of performance, the differences in housing materials lead to distinct feel and sound profiles. The U4Tx's boba plastic, while softer, provides a notably consistent sound experience across both housing segments. In contrast, the nylon material in the Vintage Citrus, while slightly softer as well, produces a different tactile feedback and sound characteristic that can vary between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the housing materials on sound is crucial; for example, the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out feel and sound, while the top housing affects the sound of the switch upon release. Thus, if you use both switches, one will notice subtle differences in feedback and auditory response when pressing and releasing the keys.
Despite their distinct material properties, the U4Tx and Vintage Citrus can yield similar auditory experiences due to the inherent qualities of the Gazzew blend and nylon. Both materials, despite their differences, lean towards softness, which contributes to a dampening effect on sound. This shared characteristic means that users may achieve comparable outcomes in sound signature, especially when layering their sound profiles during typing. Ultimately, while the materials diverge in technical composition, the resulting effects on sound dampening and overall typing experience encapsulate the essence of higher quality switches, thus appealing to enthusiasts seeking a rich auditory engagement.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The U4Tx has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, suggesting that while it might require a variable force to actuate, it provides a solid and medium resistance at the bottom. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a defined actuation force of 48 grams and a lower bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means the Vintage Citrus is lighter compared to the U4Tx, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions for those who prefer less resistance. Conversely, the U4Tx may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience given its higher bottom out force, despite the uncertainty regarding its actuation force. Overall, if you favor a lighter feel, the Vintage Citrus is the preferable option, while the U4Tx offers a heavier and possibly more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch differ in travel distance, with the U4Tx measuring 3.6 mm and the Vintage Citrus measuring 3 mm. This makes the Gazzew U4Tx the longer option and the HMX Vintage Citrus the shorter. The U4Tx's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys, providing a deeper response that some find satisfying. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus offers a shallower travel distance that can cater to gamers or users seeking quicker actuation and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a hearty depth or a brisk reaction.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
The Gazzew U4Tx 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 U4Tx tactile switch offers a unique acoustic profile characterized by a deep, resonant "thock" when bottomed out and a whisper-quiet topping out. This combination provides a rich and refined auditory experience, blending a bassy depth with a muted tone that minimizes the overall noise during typing. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with a focus on a bright, clacky sound, which makes it stand out in gaming scenarios, especially for rapid inputs. While the U4Tx excels in creating a harmonious blend of sounds, the Vintage Citrus switches emphasize a more pronounced and lively acoustic presence. It is worth noting that the final sound experience can vary based on the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch stands out with its sharp tactile feedback. The pronounced tactile bump provides a satisfying and crisp response, making each keystroke distinctly noticeable. This sharpness contributes to a luxurious typing experience that many users seek. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch does not focus on tactile feedback but rather features a smooth push feel. The low actuation force of just 1mm allows for rapid-fire inputs, ideal for intense gaming sessions. While the U4Tx prioritizes intense tactile feedback, the Vintage Citrus leverages smoothness and ease of actuation for speed.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4Tx and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The U4Tx presents a harmonic sound profile with deep auditory feedback and a sharp tactile feel, ideal for a luxurious typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus offers a clacky sound and a smooth touch, emphasizing speed and ease of actuation, perfect for gamers. While both switches have their own unique qualities, your ultimate typing or gaming experience may heavily rely on personal preference and the specific keyboard build you choose.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your primary use and personal preferences. If you value a luxurious typing experience, characterized by a satisfying tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound profile that’s both refined and acoustically pleasing, then the U4Tx is a fantastic choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams provides a balanced resistance, suitable for both extensive typing and leisurely gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you’re a gamer seeking an edge in competitive play, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch might be more aligned with your needs. With its low actuation force and short 1mm response time, it is designed for rapid key presses, enhancing your ability to execute fast, precise commands without sacrificing comfort. Its bright, clacky sound adds an exciting element to gameplay. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your personal typing style—whether you prioritize tactile feedback and acoustic qualities or speed and responsiveness in gaming.
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