Kailh Box White vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box White and the Gazzew U4 are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Box White is a clicky switch known for its maximum audio feedback, emitting a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and offering an accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the U4 is a tactile switch that provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, accompanied by a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Additionally, the U4 boasts a whisper-quiet sound profile, adding elegance and subtlety to the typing experience. These switches offer unique qualities that appeal to different individuals depending on their preferences for sound and tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
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 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and Gazzew U4 differ in their choice of housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, attributed to its relatively stiff nature. Its clear housing is also ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which provides a rich and deep sound. This soft plastic blend contributes to a more resonant sound experience. While both switches offer unique tonal qualities, the Box White emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the U4 focuses on depth and richness.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box White utilizes a nylon material known for its classic switch housing construction. The use of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This absorption effect brings about a round and dull quality to the sound. Conversely, the Gazzew U4 employs a proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, similar to the top housing. With its "boba plastic," the U4 delivers a rich and deep sound, mirroring the characteristics of the top housing. This soft material ensures a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, resulting in an immersive typing experience.
In terms of operation, the differences in top and bottom housings play a role in the sound and feel when using these switches. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the choice of bottom housing material has a significant influence on the overall typing experience. Conversely, the sound when letting go of a key is heavily influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, the distinctive housing materials of the Kailh Box White and Gazzew U4 greatly impact the auditory and tactile sensations during typing, emphasizing different aspects of the overall sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some noticeable similarities and differences. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, making them suitable for a range of users. The Box White has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the U4's 43 grams. This means that the Box White requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box White has a force of 60 grams while the U4 has a force of 62 grams. This indicates that the U4 requires a slightly heavier press when fully depressing the key. Overall, the differences in force between these switches are relatively small, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. The choice between the two would largely depend on personal preferences - those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Kailh Box White, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gazzew U4.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch also has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer the same travel distance, meaning that users can expect similar results when typing or gaming with either switch. This ensures that the user experience in terms of key feel and actuation will be consistent between the two switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch are on par with each other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, whereas the Gazzew U4 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 White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, resembling the experience of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound. These switches are designed to minimize noise and offer a softer and quieter typing experience, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. These switches have a sleek finish, reducing friction and offering smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch offers a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity. Each keypress on the U4 switch can be distinctly felt due to its strong and crisp tactile bump.
Taking into account the available information, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Box White switch provides maximum audio feedback with its crunchy sound profile and accented tactility. Typing on these switches offers a satisfying and immersive experience, resembling the sensation of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the U4 switch offers a silent tactile experience with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. Additionally, the U4 switch provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and a whisper-quiet sound profile.
If you are looking for a clicky switch with a prominent sound and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box White switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a quieter and more tactile typing experience, the Gazzew U4 switch would be ideal. It is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as typing style, usage scenarios, and keycap compatibility when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and enjoy a higher-pitched and crunchy sound profile when typing, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the best choice for you. It offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and provides a polished, smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter sound with a softer and more muted tone, but still want a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the ideal option. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the U4 provides an unexpectedly plush bottom-out sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more immersive auditory experience or a quieter typing experience with a strong tactile feedback.
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