Gazzew U4Tx vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4Tx and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew U4Tx and Jerrzi Violet stand out as two popular tactile options with unique characteristics. The U4Tx is praised for its ability to combine the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet topping out sound, resulting in a refined and clean typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet offers a smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility, creating a balanced and gentle typing experience. While the U4Tx is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Muted', 'Sharp', the Violet falls into 'Stepped' and 'Neutral' categories. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that can cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4Tx and Jerrzi Violet differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom components. The U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Violet utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The Gazzew blend top housing offers a softer sound, while the polycarbonate top housing provides a clearer and more resonant tone. This contrast in materials brings about a difference in the overall sound experience of the switches.
On the bottom housing side, the Gazzew U4Tx uses its proprietary Gazzew blend, similar to the top housing, to deliver a rich and deep sound profile. In comparison, the Jerrzi Violet incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both housing materials aim to enhance the sound of the switches, the choice between the Gazzew blend and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
Despite their differences, both the Gazzew U4Tx and Jerrzi Violet aim to provide an exceptional typing experience through their unique housing materials. While the Gazzew blend offers a softer and richer sound profile, the polycarbonate and nylon materials in the Violet provide a crisper and fuller sound experience. In terms of aesthetics, the use of clear polycarbonate in the Violet's top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for those interested in customization. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and appearance.
Weight
The Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, as the U4Tx has a force of None grams while the Violet has a force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the U4Tx is heavier with 62.5 grams compared to the Violet's unavailable force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the U4Tx for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the gaming community for faster response times. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant to most users. Ultimately, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Jerrzi Violet switch may be the better choice, but if you prefer a slightly shallower press, the Gazzew U4Tx switch would be more suitable. In general, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are known for their bassy and muted characteristics, providing a deeper, richer sound profile that is quieter compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches are described as having a neutral sound signature, offering a balanced and enjoyable typing experience without being too loud or too soft. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, including the type of board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are praised for their sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity with each keypress. This sharp feedback gives a distinct and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switches are described as feeling stepped, meaning they have a more subtle tactility with two stages to the keystroke. This can offer a different typing experience compared to the sharper bump of the U4Tx.
Considering both sound and feel aspects, the Gazzew U4Tx switches excel in providing a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile with a sharp tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches offer a more balanced sound signature and a gentler tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Keep in mind that the overall typing experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard setup, keycaps, and personal typing habits. Both switches can provide a high-quality typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction, although with distinct sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gazzew U4Tx and the Jerrzi Violet switches, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bassy and muted sound profile with a sharp tactile bump, then the U4Tx switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound with a stepped tactile feel, the Violet switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you want out of your mechanical keyboard.
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