Gazzew U4Tx vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

Marrying the best of both worlds, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are designed to provide a truly unique typing experience. With a refined sound profile, these switches offer a combination of deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. The sharp, satisfying tactile bump ensures a luxurious feel while typing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches from Haimu offer a different yet equally enjoyable experience. These switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing. With pronounced tactility, they offer satisfying feedback without becoming overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, providing a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. Both switches bring their own unique qualities to the table, making it a matter of personal preference when deciding which one is best for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best-informed decision.

By the numbers

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew U4Tx and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ significantly. The U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the sound experience, they offer distinct qualities. The boba plastic creates a softer and more resonant sound, while polycarbonate provides a clearer and more vibrant sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize a pronounced auditory feedback.

In terms of the bottom housing, the U4Tx employs the same proprietary Gazzew blend material as its top housing. This boba plastic in the bottom housing contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer texture absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that some users prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, while both switches provide unique sound characteristics, the U4Tx offers a consistent softness with its Gazzew blend housing, whereas the Viola Tricolor presents a contrast between the crisper polycarbonate top housing and the absorbent nylon bottom housing.

When compared, the top and bottom housings of the U4Tx and Viola Tricolor play different roles in the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing predominantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. For the U4Tx, this means users will experience a richer and deeper sound resulting from the softness of the Gazzew blend in both top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during bottom-out. However, the top housing's impact on the sound when releasing a key differs between the two switches. The U4Tx's boba plastic top housing contributes to a softer and resonant sound upon key release, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor delivers a sharper and more pronounced sound. Thus, while the top and bottom housings may have similar effects within each specific switch, the U4Tx and Viola Tricolor provide distinct experiences due to their respective housing combinations.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we find that both switches have an unknown actuation force. This means that we cannot make a direct comparison in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the U4Tx requires 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the Viola Tricolor requires slightly less at 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range.

Considering weight is important for individuals who prefer different typing experiences. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for a switch with a lower actuation and bottom out force. This allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, in which case they may choose options with heavier forces.

In terms of weight, neither switch is explicitly mentioned as being lighter or heavier than the other. However, with the U4Tx having a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor's 63.5 grams, one could infer that the U4Tx switch may have a slightly heavier feel during typing. Overall, while we cannot make a direct comparison of actuation force, both switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience during bottoming out, with slight variations in weight perception.

Travel distance

The Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance. For those who prefer a quicker response time and a more responsive typing experience, the U4Tx with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressed, the Viola Tricolor with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gazzew U4Tx and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a bassy sound profile. Bassy switches provide a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the U4Tx is described as having a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter noise compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is said to have a low-pitched sound, which adds a more bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying and characterful sound, with the U4Tx providing a cleaner and refined profile, while the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between sharpness and user-friendly noise levels.

In terms of feel, the U4Tx switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump. This means that the feedback intensity is high, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented, which signifies a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor switch is also labeled as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Both switches provide a satisfying level of tactility, with the U4Tx offering a sharper sensation and the Viola Tricolor providing a balance between tactility and usability.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gazzew U4Tx and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer distinct subjective qualities. In terms of sound, both switches provide a bassy profile, with the U4Tx being described as having a cleaner and more muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor offers a low-pitched tone. In terms of feel, the U4Tx switch provides a sharp and intense tactile bump, while the Viola Tricolor switch is accented and invigorating, striking a balance between tactility and user-friendliness. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience and provide satisfying feedback. And while they may differ in certain aspects, overall, they offer similar results in terms of creating an enjoyable and luxurious typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that combines a refined sound profile with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, then the Gazzew U4Tx switches are the way to go. These switches offer a cleaner and quieter typing experience, with a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The U4Tx switches also provide a sharp and distinct tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that adds a touch of character to your typing experience without being overly tactile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are a great choice. These switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, with a pronounced tactility that provides satisfying feedback. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew U4Tx and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches will depend on whether you prioritize a cleaner sound profile and sharp tactile bump or a character-filled sound profile with a balanced tactility.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more