Outemu Blue vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch, stand out as popular choices. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its satisfying click sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch is celebrated for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing a tactile sensation that is both responsive and plush. The U4 switch also offers a muted, low-pitched sound profile, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 utilizes a proprietary plastic blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," to produce a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Blue's polycarbonate material offers a clear and resonant sound profile, the U4's plastic blend delivers a more mellow and rounded sound. Both materials have their unique characteristics, with polycarbonate providing a brighter sound compared to the deeper tones from the Gazzew blend.
In terms of bottom housing, the Outemu Blue employs a nylon material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. Similarly, the Gazzew U4 utilizes its proprietary plastic blend bottom housing to deliver a rich and deep sound profile, complementing the top housing's characteristics. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities of their respective bottom housings, contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing. Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Blue and U4 switches offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Blue and Gazzew U4 switches, it becomes apparent that each housing material brings specific qualities to the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue switch offers a clear and crisp sound profile, whereas the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4 delivers a richer and deeper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue and the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing both contribute to a more distinct typing experience with unique sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the U4 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Blue's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the U4 is heavier at 62 grams while the bottom out force of the Blue is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing, the U4 may be the more favorable option as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Blue switch due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Blue switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the U4 switch. A 0.4 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can impact the feel of typing or gaming on a keyboard. The shorter travel distance of the U4 switch may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Blue switch might provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both options offer unique advantages depending on the user's needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10, 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and clicky noise, which is often described as satisfying and reminiscent of a typewriter. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a completely different experience with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. The U4 switch provides a quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subtle and refined sound while typing.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Blue switch is praised for its tactile feedback and responsiveness, providing a satisfying click with each keypress. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, offering a distinct and pronounced feedback sensation when typing. The U4 switch provides a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, giving typists a unique and comfortable typing experience that sets it apart from the Blue switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer vastly different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Blue switch is known for its loud and clicky sound along with tactile feedback, the U4 switch provides a quiet and muted typing experience with a sharp tactile bump. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be a more traditional and satisfying clicky feel or a more refined and quiet typing experience with pronounced tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a switch. If you enjoy a loud and clicky typing experience with no bottom out force, then the Outemu Blue switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and tactile typing feel with a medium bottom out force, along with a quieter sound profile, then the Gazzew U4 switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, consider your typing style, preference for sound and feel, and make the choice that best suits your needs.
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