Kailh Box Jade vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can dramatically impact your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Box Jade switches are ideal if you desire a medium-heavy typing feel with a satisfying clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them an absolute joy. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a unique combination of traits, marrying the best of both worlds. They feature a cleaner, refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. With a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, the U4Tx ensures a luxurious typing experience that's both acoustically pleasing and tactile. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gazzew U4Tx differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the U4Tx utilizes Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. It offers a more mellow and resonating sound compared to the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box Jade employs a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx features its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also contributes to a rich and deep sound. Just like in the top housing, the softness of the Gazzew blend material creates a resonant and melodic sound response.
While the two switches have distinct housing materials for both the top and bottom, they do share some similarities. Both the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing and the Gazzew U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing contribute to a rich and resonating sound profile. Moreover, the softness of the bottom housings in both switches, whether it's the nylon of the Box Jade or the Gazzew blend of the U4Tx, ensures a deep and full sound experience when typing.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gazzew U4Tx play a crucial role in shaping their respective sound profiles. While the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper sound and the Gazzew U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing delivers a deeper sound, both switches provide a resonant and pleasing auditory experience. Similarly, the softer bottom housings of both switches contribute to a fuller sound that enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Kailh Box Jade is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Gazzew U4Tx is heavier with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 65 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kailh Box Jade would be a suitable choice as its lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it ideal for individuals who use their keyboard extensively for work or gaming. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx. Its heavier bottom out force of 65 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback that some typists may find more enjoyable.
In terms of actuation force, unfortunately, the specific value for the Gazzew U4Tx is not available. However, it can be inferred that the actuation force is comparable to or slightly heavier than the Kailh Box Jade, given that both switches fall under the "medium" category. This means that even though we don't have exact data for the Gazzew U4Tx, one can expect similar actuation forces to the Kailh Box Jade, resulting in similar typing experiences in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Considering weight preference is crucial when deciding on a switch, as it significantly affects the typing experience. Whether one favors a lighter or heavier force, both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provide suitable options, catering to different typing preferences and allowing individuals to choose based on their desired feel and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback experience, ensuring that typing or gaming with either switch will provide similar results in terms of the travel distance. Thus, in terms of their travel distance, the Box Jade and U4Tx switches are equal.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50.
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 Kailh Box Jade switch is best described as having a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound that can be likened to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a bassy and muted sound profile. The U4Tx switch provides a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as being accented and invigorating. These switches offer a "medium tactile" experience that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The switches have a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel. Typing on Box Jades offers an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is characterized by a sharp and strong tactile bump. Each keypress delivers a distinct and pronounced feedback intensity, allowing for a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with an accented and invigorating feel, while the U4Tx offers a bassy and muted sound profile with a sharp and distinctive tactile bump. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose between a crisp and clicky experience or a cleaner and refined sound coupled with a luxurious typing experience. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. However, it is important to consider that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and a satisfying tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the perfect choice for you. These switches provide crisp and high-pitched clicks, along with crunchy tactile bumps when typing, creating an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and refined sound profile with a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are the way to go. These switches offer a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, creating a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire.
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