Gateron Luciola vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

The Gateron Luciola and Gazzew U4Tx mechanical keyboard switches offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. On one hand, the Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, providing a visually pleasing typing experience. These switches also offer a medium heft, resulting in a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Additionally, the Luciola switches produce a distinctive sound profile resembling a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken." On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches aim to marry the best of both worlds by offering a cleaner, refined sound profile. Typing on these switches elicits a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, paired with the whisper-quiet stealth while topping out. Moreover, the U4Tx switches provide a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. While these general pointers give an overview of each switch's characteristics, it is essential to delve deeper to determine which switch best suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in terms of sound profile. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing which produces a pointed, relatively high-pitched sound. It is described as clacky, providing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing made of "boba plastic." This results in a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. These differences in sound allow users to choose the desired auditory experience based on their preference for high-pitched clackiness or a softer, deeper sound.

While the top housings differ, the bottom housings of both switches share similar characteristics. The proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola contributes to the switch's pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a clacky sound. Similarly, the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4Tx, referred to as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Thus, despite the differences in the top housings, both switches offer similar sound experiences due to the consistent qualities of their bottom housings.

The impact of the housing materials can also be felt when pressing down and releasing keys. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. This means that the material of the bottom housing, whether it be the INK blend or the Gazzew blend, will influence the tactile sensation and sound experienced when fully pressing down a key. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether it is the pointed and clacky sound of the Luciola's INK blend or the deep and rich sound of the U4Tx's Gazzew blend, the top housing influences the auditory experience when letting go of a key.

Weight

The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the exact actuation force for the U4Tx is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Luciola would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods of time, such as for work or lengthy gaming sessions. However, those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the U4Tx. With its slightly heavier bottom out force, it provides a satisfying tactile sensation for those who prefer a bit more resistance.

While the actuation forces of these switches cannot be directly compared due to the unavailability of the U4Tx's specific force, it can be assumed that they are relatively similar since both switches fall into the medium category. In terms of bottoming out, the Luciola requires a lighter force compared to the U4Tx, indicating that it may feel slightly softer or less pronounced when fully depressed.

Ultimately, the decision between the Luciola and the U4Tx will largely depend on personal preference. Whether one desires a lighter or heavier switch, both options can offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience an equal distance of travel. Both switches offer a similar tactile feedback, allowing for a comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Gateron Luciola or the Gazzew U4Tx, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola switches are best described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp, snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and percussive quality. Additionally, they have a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches have a bassy and muted sound profile. They offer a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Furthermore, these switches produce softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola switches provide a medium heft, smooth, and bouncy typing experience. They are known for being snappy, buttery, and polished. These switches have a super responsive nature, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing experience feel more alive. They also offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The polished finish of the switches reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity. Each keypress will provide a distinct and crisp tactile bump, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a smooth and bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches have a bassy and muted sound profile, along with a sharp and distinct tactile feel. While both switches provide a luxurious typing experience, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between them. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results with either switch, but it is essential to take into account the other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize an eye-catching and visually appealing keyboard switch, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice. With its glow-in-the-dark feature, it adds a unique and captivating element to your keyboard setup. Additionally, the Luciola offers a medium heft and provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile.

On the other hand, if you value a refined sound profile and a satisfying tactile experience, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch would be an excellent option. These switches combine the best of both worlds, delivering a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Each keypress provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile.

In terms of sound, the Luciola offers a range of options. It can produce a clacky and crisp sound, a chirpy switch with a unique acoustic signature, a resonant and clean marbly sound, or a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx provides a deeper and richer bassy sound or a softer and quieter muted sound, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

Regarding the feel, the Luciola offers a variety of options as well. It can provide a snappy and super responsive typing experience, a buttery smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, or a polished and refined switch with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the U4Tx offers a sharp tactile experience with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with every keypress.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch comes down to your personal preferences. Depending on whether you prioritize visual appeal, sound profile, or typing feel, you can make an informed decision on which switch suits your needs best. Consider the characteristics and descriptions of each switch to find the perfect fit for your ideal keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more