Gazzew U4Tx vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4Tx and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, two options stand out: the Gazzew U4Tx and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Gazzew U4Tx switch is celebrated for its innovative design that combines a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet topping out, providing a luxurious typing experience that excels in both acoustics and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, focusing on a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a smoother typing experience without sacrificing feel. While the U4Tx is perfect for those who revel in auditory feedback and pronounced tactile responses, the Weightlessness caters to those seeking a milder, more nuanced experience. 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
62.5g
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
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew U4Tx and the Gateron Weightlessness, it's interesting to see how both switches utilize softer plastics to achieve a rich auditory experience. The U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend, often called "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housings, with an emphasis on the softness that promotes a deeper sound profile. Similarly, the Gateron Weightlessness employs nylon for its housings, which is traditionally recognized for its sound-dampening qualities. Both materials contribute to a sound profile characterized by a fullness and roundness, thus offering a tactile and auditory experience that many users find appealing.
While the Gazzew U4Tx and Gateron Weightlessness differ in terms of the specific material used for their housing, the overall impact on sound and feel during use converges due to their shared emphasis on softer plastics. The U4Tx's proprietary blend provides a nuanced audio experience that mirrors the qualities associated with nylon. As a result, users can expect similar acoustic results when typing on either switch, with the bottom housing ultimately influencing the bottom-out sound and feel during keystrokes. Whether through Gazzew's unique material or the classic nylon, both switches allow for a satisfying typing experience that resonates well.
Ultimately, the distinction lies not only in the materials but also in their respective blends, which still deliver comparable qualities to the user. The Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary formulation and the Gateron Weightlessness's nylon offer a familiar sound landscape, resulting in a typing experience that balances both hollowness and richness. With both switches harnessing soft housing materials, users can enjoy a relatively similar experience in terms of sound, even if the precise nature of the typing feel is slightly differentiated. This illustrates how the nuances in materials can yield similar outcomes, underscoring the importance of housing materials in keyboard switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find some notable differences. The U4Tx has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to assess how it would feel in terms of trigger responsiveness. However, it features a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which is considered medium and suggests a moderate resistance when fully pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch has a clear actuation force of 50 grams, indicating it requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke, which may be appealing for users who type for extended periods. However, it lacks a specified bottom out force. Ultimately, for users favoring a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness is the more suitable option, while the U4Tx, with its heavier bottom out force, may attract those who prefer a more substantial feel in their key presses.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch have different travel distances, measuring 3.6 mm and 3.4 mm, respectively. This makes the U4Tx the longer option, providing a slightly deeper press compared to the Weightlessness. The longer travel distance of the U4Tx may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback during key presses, while gamers or those seeking quicker response times might lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding depth and responsiveness in typing or gaming experiences.
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 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 considering the sound profile of the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is characterized by a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, which provides a rich and bassy quality that many find appealing. This switch also has a muted quality when topping out, making it quieter and less distracting. This combination creates a balanced acoustic experience that is both satisfying and less intrusive, suitable for environments where noise must be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch does not have clearly defined acoustic features, leaving the specifics of its sound profile more ambiguous. However, it is stated that the sound profile is balanced, which suggests a milder auditory experience that may not dramatically compete with or detract from the typing experience.
In terms of feel, the U4Tx excels with its sharp tactile feedback, providing a prominent and distinct tactile bump that ensures users are aware of each keypress. This high feedback intensity enhances the overall typing experience by delivering clear and unmistakable cues with every actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are noted for a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, lacking the sharper feedback intensity of the U4Tx. This may appeal to users looking for a less pronounced tactile experience, but it may not provide the same level of engagement for those who prefer more tactile satisfaction.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches offer a well-rounded combination of superior sound and tactile feedback, featuring a deep, resonant tone along with sharp tactile responses that elevate the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches present a more subdued overall profile, with a balanced sound and moderate tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences, users might find the U4Tx to be more luxurious and engaging, while the Weightlessness can provide a softer touch for those who prefer a lighter tactile response. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles, ensuring that newcomers can choose a switch that best aligns with their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you’re deciding between the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, consider your priorities in terms of typing experience and sound profile. If you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and the acoustics of your keyboard, the U4Tx is an excellent choice with its satisfying "thock" sound and sharp tactile bump. This switch excels in environments where sound depth and feedback matter, making it perfect for typists who enjoy a luxurious and engaging typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a subtler tactile feel with a more balanced sound profile that complements your typing rather than dominating it, the Weightlessness switch might be the better option for you. Its moderate tactile response is ideal for users who prioritize quieter key presses while still enjoying some tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a rich auditory experience or a more muted, subtle feel in your keyboard.