Gazzew U4Tx vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can greatly influence your typing experience. The Gazzew U4Tx switch stands out with its unique design that marries the best of both worlds. Known for its deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out and the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out, the U4Tx delivers a luxurious tactile experience characterized by a satisfying bump that many enthusiasts adore. Its sound profile is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Muted', and 'Sharp', making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate audio feedback as part of their typing rhythm. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is crafted for those who prefer a linear feel combined with a refined acoustic profile. Made with a PA12 top housing and a POM stem, this switch offers a crisper, higher-pitched resonance while maintaining a softer sound, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking precision without auditory distraction. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the U4Tx appealing to those who enjoy tactile feedback while the Xinhai (Heavy) is perfect for those who favor a smooth, uninterrupted keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew U4Tx and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches both prioritize a softer plastic composition, aiming to enhance the auditory experience when typing. The U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend often referred to as "boba plastic," while the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for nylon for its top housing. Despite their differences in manufacturing and branding, both materials are characterized by their inherent softness, which contributes to creating a rich and deep sound profile. By absorbing more sound than harder plastics, they both mitigate sharper, higher-pitched noises typically associated with stiffer materials, allowing for a fuller auditory experience.

In examining the bottom housings of both switches, the distinction continues to emphasize the advantages of softer plastics. The U4Tx continues with its proprietary Gazzew blend, mirroring the qualities of its top housing. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon once again. The similarity lies in their shared characteristic of softness, which translates into the switches producing a duller and rounder sound profile. As such, when typing, both switches deliver a deeper sound that reflects the absorption qualities of their materials. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly significant, as it mostly dictates the bottom-out sound and overall feel when a key is pressed down.

While the specific materials of the Gazzew U4Tx and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) differ, both switches can yield comparable sound profiles due to the soft nature of their respective housings. The interplay between the top and bottom housing determines the overall typing experience—while the U4Tx's proprietary blend ensures a rich auditory output, the nylon of the Xinhai (Heavy) serves a similar purpose. Consequently, even though consumers might notice the distinct branding and technical characteristics of the materials, both designs are optimized for achieving deep, rounded, and satisfying sound profiles throughout the keystroke. The essential role of the softer plastics in both switches underscores how varying materials can ultimately achieve similar user experiences through thoughtfully designed engineering.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces, though both switches share the same bottom out force of 62.5 grams. The U4Tx's actuation force is unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in terms of the initial resistance felt during a keystroke. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch requires an actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Xinhai offers a tangible push feel, making it a heavier option overall when considering actuation force, while the U4Tx remains ambiguous in this regard. For users who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the unknown actuation force of the U4Tx leaves that door open, but the Xinhai's defined 55 grams may appeal to those preferring a substantial feel. Ultimately, if a user is looking for a defined push with medium resistance, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is the better choice among the two, while the U4Tx could provide a more varied experience depending on its actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the U4Tx features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the U4Tx offers a deeper feel when pressed, which some users might appreciate for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter distance of the Xinhai (Heavy) may appeal to those who favor quicker response times, particularly gamers who benefit from faster key actuation. Thus, while both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, the U4Tx is the longer option, providing a heartier depth, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who prefer a more immediate, albeit slightly less pronounced, feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches deliver a unique auditory experience characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, creating a rich, bassy tone that many users find satisfying. This is complemented by a muted upper sound when the key is released, contributing to a quieter overall typing experience. The switch design emphasizes a cleaner, refined profile, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches prioritize a softer acoustic profile due to their unique PA12 top housing, which subtly softens the sound. However, their sound profile remains crisp and higher-pitched thanks to the POM stem, resulting in a sophisticated blend that may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch with a refined resonance. While the Xinhai's description lacks specific sound descriptors, it clearly presents a compelling option for those who favor a more nuanced acoustic experience.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4Tx stands out with its sharp tactile feedback, offering a distinctly prominent tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. This sharpness ensures each keypress feels rewarding, allowing for precise typing with confident feedback. The Xinhai (Heavy) switches, however, do not have a specified tactile feel in the information available, leaving their tactile characteristics uncertain. This lack of information on the Xinhai's tactile feedback means that if you value a pronounced tactile experience, the U4Tx would be a more reliable choice.

In summary, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches provide a deeper sound profile with a prominent tactile feedback, creating a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactilely satisfying. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches offer a nuanced sound profile that is softer yet crisp, though their tactile feel remains unspecified. Depending on your prioritization of sound and tactile feedback, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that whichever you choose, you can achieve an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and requirements. If you value an engaging tactile experience that offers a satisfying bump along with an acoustically pleasing sound profile, the U4Tx is an excellent option. Its deep, resonant "thock" and sharp feedback make it ideal for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy the tactile feedback of a switch that feels precise and responsive. On the other hand, if you prefer the smoothness and consistency of a linear switch, while still appreciating a more nuanced sound profile, the Xinhai (Heavy) is the way to go. With its softer acoustics and crisp resonance, it delivers a unique typing experience that emphasizes precision without the interruption of a tactile bump. In summary, the U4Tx is for those drawn to rich acoustics and tactile feedback, while the Xinhai (Heavy) appeals to users seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more