Cherry MX Brown vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the Gazzew U4T. The Cherry MX Brown is known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T combines thockiness with sharp tactility, resulting in a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with every keystroke. The MX Brown is categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, while the U4T is known for its bassy thock sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique strengths, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Cherry MX Brown and Gazzew U4T switches differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affect the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The MX Brown utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the U4T employs a proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic." Both nylon and the Gazzew blend are soft plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch. The softer nature of both materials allows them to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
However, although they share similar characteristics, the MX Brown and U4T differ in materials used for their housings. While the MX Brown relies on nylon for both its top and bottom housing, the U4T incorporates its unique Gazzew blend in both these aspects. This distinction means that each housing material brings its own qualities to the switch, contributing to different aspects of the typing experience. When pressing down on the MX Brown, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing become evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew blend top housing in the U4T has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key.
In terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results from both the Cherry MX Brown and Gazzew U4T switches due to the shared characteristic of being soft plastics. The softness of nylon in the MX Brown and the Gazzew blend in the U4T contribute to a rich and deep sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for both switches. However, the distinction in housing materials between the top and bottom housings of each switch means that specific qualities may vary depending on whether it is the MX Brown or U4T being used. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying and immersive typing experience, with the housing materials playing a significant role in shaping their sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force for the Gazzew U4T is unavailable. While we cannot provide specific information about the force needed to trigger a keystroke with the U4T, we do know that it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
In terms of weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it enables them to type comfortably for extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, opting for switches with heavier forces is the way to go. In this case, the Cherry MX Brown, with its slightly lighter actuation force and bottom out force, may be preferred by those desiring a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T, with its higher bottom out force, provides a slightly heavier feel for a more solid typing experience.
While the actuation force for the Gazzew U4T is not known, it is important to note that the bottom out force of both switches is different, indicating that the typing experience may not be entirely similar. However, for individuals who prefer a medium typing experience, both switches offer a comparable bottom out force, ensuring similar results in terms of the force required to fully press each key.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their tactile feedback, allowing for accurate and responsive keystrokes. Whether you opt for the Cherry MX Brown or the Gazzew U4T, you can expect a satisfying keystroke feel and similar travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, 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 Cherry MX Brown and Gazzew U4T switches both offer a bassy profile. This means that you can expect a deeper and richer sound during key presses with both switches. However, the U4T switch has an additional descriptor of "thocky," which implies a deep, rich, and satisfying sound akin to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide pleasing audio feedback, but the U4T offers a more distinct and satisfying auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown is known for its subtle tactility and textured sensation. This means that there is a gentle bump when typing, providing a light tactile feedback. The switch may have a slight texture to it, which can be preferred by some users but may not be as smooth as other switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is described as having a sharp tactile bump. Its feedback intensity is high, allowing you to distinctly feel the tactile bump with each and every keypress. This sharp tactility provides a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback.
To conclude, the Cherry MX Brown and Gazzew U4T switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Brown provides gentle tactility with subdued audio feedback, while the U4T has a more assertive tactile feedback and a bassy, thocky sound. If you are looking for a switch with a more subtle and delicate experience, the MX Brown would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying sound with each keypress, the U4T switch would be a better option for you. Take into consideration your personal preference for sound and feel when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of medium-light 55 grams, providing a comfortable typing feel. They also produce a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, giving a deeper and richer auditory experience. Additionally, if you prefer a textured typing experience with noticeable friction, MX Browns offer this textured feel.
On the other hand, if you seek a more assertive tactile feedback and a thocky sound profile with a deep and rich sound when pressed, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of medium 62 grams, the U4T provides a satisfying and pronounced tactile bump with each keypress. The bassy 'thock' sound produced by these switches adds to the overall auditory satisfaction. If you prefer a sharp and crisp tactile feel, the U4T switches offer a high feedback intensity.
Ultimately, the choice between Cherry MX Brown and Gazzew U4T switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize subtlety, light tactility, and a textured feel, the MX Browns are a solid option. However, if you value assertiveness, thockiness, and a sharp tactile sensation, the U4Ts are worth considering. Assessing your desired typing experience and audio feedback will help you make an informed decision. Remember, it's all about finding the switch that feels right for you.
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