Gazzew U4T vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices are the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, a linear switch. The Gazzew U4Ts are well-known for their unique blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, resulting in a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. These switches feature a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. With a lightly lubed POM stem, these switches provide minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. 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
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ in terms of the sound profile they deliver. The U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. So, while the U4T provides a softer and deeper sound experience, the WS Aurora Clear offers a more intense and clear sound.
The bottom housing materials of the U4T and WS Aurora Clear further differentiate the sound characteristics of these switches. The U4T utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which again delivers a rich and deep sound profile attributed to its softness. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates a newer material called UHWMPE for its bottom housing. This material produces a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing on switches with this housing. Therefore, the U4T emphasizes a softer and deeper sound, while the WS Aurora Clear focuses on a brighter and more resonant sound experience.
When comparing the overall sound experience, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in both switches. The U4T's Gazzew blend housing material harmoniously delivers a rich and deep sound profile throughout the keypress, reinforcing a consistent and immersive sound experience. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear's use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a sharp and clear sound when releasing a key, which can enhance the satisfaction of typing. In summary, while they have distinct housing materials, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable and immersive sound experience, with the U4T leaning towards softness and depth and the WS Aurora Clear focusing on sharpness and clarity.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. The U4T has an actuation force that is currently unavailable in grams, while the WS Aurora Clear requires 53 grams of force for actuation. Despite the unknown actuation force of the U4T, it is safe to assume that it is similar to or lighter than the WS Aurora Clear due to its tactile nature. Moving on to the bottom out force, the U4T requires 62 grams of force, which is slightly lighter than the WS Aurora Clear's 63.5 grams.
Considering the weight of the switches, it becomes apparent that having a lighter switch can be advantageous for extended typing or gaming sessions. The reduced actuation force and slightly lighter bottom out force of the U4T may allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for individuals who require prolonged use of their keyboards, whether at work or during gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For them, the WS Aurora Clear with its higher actuation and bottom out forces would be a better choice.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Gazzew U4T is currently unavailable, it can be assumed to be lighter than the 53 grams required by the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. In terms of bottom out force, the U4T is lighter at 62 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 63.5 grams. Taking weight into consideration, the U4T provides a potentially lighter typing experience for extended periods, whereas the WS Aurora Clear offers a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The U4T has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. These distances may seem small, but they can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience.
The U4T with its 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a moderate depth that many users are familiar with. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear, with its slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, falls into the category of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you are someone who prefers a more responsive typing or gaming experience, then the WS Aurora Clear would be a suitable choice for you.
However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances can feel somewhat abrupt for some individuals who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. In such cases, the U4T with its 4 mm travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00.
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 Gazzew U4T switches are known for their bassy 'thock' sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is deeper and richer, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches have a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound, the U4T switches would be a better choice, while if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the WS Aurora Clear switches would be more suitable. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the U4T switches are known for their sharp tactile feedback. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominent and can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches are described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear switches are also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They fall into a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. The U4T switches, on the other hand, have a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback. If you prefer a strong and crisp tactile bump, the U4T switches would be a better choice. If you prefer a smoother and gentler keystroke, the WS Aurora Clear switches would be more suitable.
Based on the available information, the Gazzew U4T tactile switches and the WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The U4T switches provide a bassy 'thock' sound profile and have a sharp tactile bump, while the WS Aurora Clear switches produce a high-pitched sound and offer a buttery and mild typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, and the choice between them would depend on personal preferences. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a strong and crisp tactile feedback, the U4T switches would be a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with a smoother and gentler keystroke, the WS Aurora Clear switches would be more suitable. However, it's important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the final decision should be based on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, along with a deep and rich sound profile, then the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches provide medium actuation force, allowing for a satisfying tactile feedback without being too heavy. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, along with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is the better choice. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these medium-heavy switches offer a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Gazzew U4T and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches depends on your preference for thockiness and sharp tactility, or a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, respectively.
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