Gazzew U4Tx vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4Tx and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Marrying the best of both worlds, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are ingeniously designed to provide a cleaner, refined sound profile. With a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out, these switches offer a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Muted', and 'Sharp', the U4Tx switches provide a sharp, satisfying tactile bump with each press. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches feature a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, offering a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. These exquisite switches also provide a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them desirable options in the realm of mechanical keyboards. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4Tx and the Wuque Studio WS Onion have different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The U4Tx utilizes a proprietary blend of plastic referred to as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housing. This soft plastic contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, making keystrokes on this switch resonate with a velvety tone. On the contrary, the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a higher-pitched sound that is especially ideal for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting in their setup.
In terms of the bottom housing, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend and the WS Onion's nylon material bring forth different acoustic characteristics. The U4Tx's boba plastic bottom housing, like its top housing, delivers a deep and resonant sound. The softness of the material allows for more sound absorption, leading to a rounder and fuller tone. In contrast, the WS Onion's nylon bottom housing produces a slightly duller and rounder sound. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper auditory experience.
Although different in their housing materials, the impact on the overall sound profile of these switches is shared between the top and bottom housings. When typing on the U4Tx, the bottom housing's qualities influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the WS Onion exhibits a split effect, where the top housing's polycarbonate contributes to the sound upon key release, while the bottom housing's nylon material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while the materials may differ, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that add depth and character to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is important to note that the exact values for the actuation force are unknown for both switches. However, it is clear that both switches fall within the medium-heavy range for their bottom out force. The U4Tx has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the WS Onion has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force. Unfortunately, since the actuation force values are unknown for both switches, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, while the bottom out forces differ slightly between the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, the exact actuation forces are not available. Therefore, it is difficult to determine how they compare in terms of actuation force. However, for those seeking a medium-heavy switch, both options could provide a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, the U4Tx has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Onion has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this aspect, the U4Tx would be the better choice as it has a slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper keystroke experience, the WS Onion's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and whether a shorter or slightly longer travel distance is desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 switches offer a unique combination of deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet sound when topping out. This creates a satisfying and acoustically pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches have a neutral sound profile, meaning they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. The U4Tx switches can be characterized as bassy and muted, while the WS Onion switches are described as having a neutral sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a sharp tactile feel with a strong and crisp tactile bump. This high feedback intensity allows for a distinct and satisfying tactile experience with each keypress. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer a buttery smooth keystroke feel. This implies a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the WS Onion switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4Tx switches excel in delivering a refined sound profile with a deep and rich "thock" when bottoming out and a muted, quieter sound when topping out. They also provide a sharp tactile feel with a strong and crisp tactile bump. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes and a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a polished finish. Both switches provide a luxurious typing experience, albeit with distinct qualities. If you are looking for a deeper and richer sound profile with a sharp tactile feel, the U4Tx switches would be a great choice. If you prefer a neutral sound and a buttery smooth keystroke feel, the WS Onion switches would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that combines the best of both worlds in terms of sound and feel, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch would be a great choice. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a luxurious typing experience with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. The sharp, satisfying tactile bump in each press ensures a refined and acoustically pleasing typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a crisp and responsive feel, along with a deeply satisfying typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing contribute to the smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while the neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various environments.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and your desired typing experience. If you value a refined sound profile and a sharp tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are the way to go. If you prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your preferences and needs before making a decision. In the end, it's all about finding the perfect switch that brings you joy and satisfaction in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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