Outemu Lime vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Lime and the Gazzew U4T, both tactile switches that offer unique features. The Lime switches stand out with their lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silencing capabilities, making them an excellent choice for tactile enthusiasts who prefer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts are known for their harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. These switches provide a bassy 'thock' sound profile and an assertive tactile feedback, creating a satisfying experience for both the ears and fingers. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and the Gazzew U4T switches have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Lime utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Although both switches aim to produce a similar effect of a deeper sound, they achieve this through different housing materials.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Lime and the U4T switches differ in material, further influencing their sound profiles. The Lime uses a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to its deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a different tactile and auditory experience when typing on the Lime. On the other hand, the U4T employs a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both switches' bottom housings play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. While the materials may differ, their objective of enhancing the overall typing experience remains consistent.
Considering the impact of both top and bottom housings on the switch's sound, the Lime and the U4T will produce distinct auditory experiences when pressing and releasing keys. The top housing of a switch has a more significant influence on the sound when a key is released, making it crucial for achieving a specific sound profile. Despite their differing materials, both the Lime's nylon top housing and the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing aim to contribute to a rich and deep sound when keys are released. Conversely, the bottom housing of a switch affects the sound and feel during bottoming out a key. While the Lime and the U4T utilize different materials for their bottom housings, both strive to provide a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Therefore, although the housing materials of the Lime and the U4T may diverge, their ultimate goal is to offer a satisfying and immersive typing experience when used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that there are notable differences between these two options. The Lime switch has a light actuation force of 35 grams, meaning it requires a relatively gentle push to register a keystroke. Additionally, it has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a bit more resistance when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the U4T switch is unknown, but it has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that the U4T switch requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Lime switch. In terms of weight, the Lime switch can be considered lighter, making it a suitable choice for those who value longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4T switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which may be preferred by users seeking a stronger push feel. Overall, while the Lime switch has a lighter actuation force and a slightly lighter bottom out force than the U4T switch, both switches can provide similar results for those who desire specific key forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that they differ in this aspect. The Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance. On the other hand, the U4T has a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning more closely with the traditional measurement.
For those who prioritize faster response times, the Lime with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker reactions during gameplay. However, it is important to note that some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. In this case, the U4T with its longer travel distance might be a more suitable choice, providing a greater sense of key depression.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference and the desired typing experience. For a more responsive and snappy feel, the Lime can deliver similar results to the U4T despite its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke, the U4T's longer travel distance would likely be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40, whereas the Gazzew U4T 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lime switch offers a neutral sound profile that is both moderate in volume and muted in comparison to other mechanical switches. This makes it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you use it at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch has a bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, while also offering a satisfying "thud" or "knock" sound when the key is pressed and released. 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.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Lime switch provides a mild and feathery typing experience. With a gentle resistance, it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switch also has a subtle and polished feel, meaning it has a gentle resistance that is not too heavy but still maintains a light typing feel. Furthermore, the smooth and refined finish of the switch results in a sleek typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a sharp and intense tactile feedback. Its strong and crisp tactile bump can be distinctly felt with each and every keypress, providing a satisfying tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lime switch and the Gazzew U4T switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lime switch provides a more neutral and muted sound profile, making it suitable for various settings, while offering a mild and feathery typing experience with a subtle and polished feel. Alternatively, the U4T switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound with a strong and crisp tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches, however, are tailored for tactile enthusiasts and will provide satisfying results in their respective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a lightweight typing experience with a touch of tactility and appreciates a quieter sound profile, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer an approachable tactility and are accompanied by a feathery light feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Lime switches are silenced, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a more assertive tactile feedback accompanied by a deep and rich sound profile, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be the better option. These switches provide an auditory and tactile satisfaction with their bassy 'thock' sound and sharp tactile bump. Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Lime and Gazzew U4T switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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