Gazzew U4T vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Red are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The U4T is best known for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing an auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out with its 22mm double-stage spring, offering a bouncy and responsive typing experience while retaining a familiar sound signature. Additionally, the WS Red has a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke and delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. While these general pointers give you an idea of what each switch has to offer, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Red have some similarities, but also notable differences. The U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing, which is sometimes known as "boba plastic". This blend is described as soft and contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. Similarly, the WS Red uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing. Nylon is also known for being a softer plastic and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, in terms of sound profile, both switches offer similar qualities due to the softness of their respective housing materials.
However, there are some distinctions between the U4T and WS Red housing materials. The Gazzew blend in the U4T is often referred to as "boba plastic" and is specifically designed to deliver a rich sound profile. The softness of this blend enhances the depth of the sound when pressing down on the switch and when releasing the key. On the other hand, the WS Red utilizes nylon for its housing materials, which is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to absorb sound. As a result, the WS Red may offer a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the U4T.
When it comes to the individual impact of the top and bottom housings on the switch, both switches follow a similar pattern. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. In this regard, the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Red share similar characteristics, regardless of the differences in their specific housing materials. Both switches offer a satisfying experience with unique sound profiles derived from the combination of their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of both switches is unavailable, suggesting that they may require a similar amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight variation. The Gazzew U4T has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium, while the Wuque Studio WS Red has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Weight is an important factor to consider when selecting a switch, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gazzew U4T may be a suitable choice, as its bottom out force is slightly lighter than the WS Red. This lighter force can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the WS Red may be the better option due to its slightly heavier bottom out force.
While the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it can be assumed that they may require a similar amount of force to trigger a keystroke. Therefore, if the actuation force is an important consideration, both the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Red could potentially yield similar results. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Gazzew U4T providing a lighter typing experience and the WS Red offering a slightly heavier and more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is clear that they have a slight difference in distance. The U4T has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances for switches. The U4T's 4.0 mm distance is more in line with what is commonly expected, while the WS Red's 3.8 mm distance is slightly shorter. This shorter distance may be preferred by gamers, who often value faster response times and therefore opt for shorter travel distances. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may gravitate towards the U4T with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Red comes in at $3.50.
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
The Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its bassy 'thock' sound profile, which offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It also provides an assertive tactile feedback, resulting in a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, there is no available information about the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew U4T switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. Sharp tactile switches are recognized for their high feedback intensity, and the U4T switch's tactile bump is strong and crisp, providing a distinct feeling with every keypress. Unfortunately, there is no available information about the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red switch.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a unique combination of a bassy 'thock' sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, resulting in a satisfying typing experience both in terms of sound and feel. The Wuque Studio WS Red switch, on the other hand, lacks available information regarding its sound profile and feel. If you are looking for a similar sound and feel to the U4T switch, it is recommended to explore other switches with a bassy and thocky sound profile, as well as switches with a sharp tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that combines a satisfying sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T would be an excellent choice. The U4Ts offer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, resulting in a bassy 'thock' sound profile that adds auditory satisfaction to each keystroke. Moreover, the U4T's sharp tactile feedback ensures a high feedback intensity, allowing you to distinctly feel the tactile bump with every press.
On the other hand, if you value a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a touch of weight to each keystroke, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch would be a suitable option for you. Equipped with a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches provide a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Although the specific sound characteristics of the WS Red are not mentioned, you can expect a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch boils down to your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a deep, rich sound profile and strong tactile feedback, the U4T is the way to go. However, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a hint of weight to each press, the WS Red is a solid option. Consider your personal preferences and usage scenarios to make the most informed decision. In the end, both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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