Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4 mechanical keyboard switches, the decision ultimately boils down to your preference for linear or tactile switches. The MX Silent Red offers a smooth, linear typing experience with a quiet sound profile, making it the ideal choice for those working in noise-sensitive environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 provides a tactile typing experience with a sharp tactile bump and a plush, quiet bottom-out sensation. While both switches are categorized as having a muted sound profile, the U4 offers a unique typing experience with its tactility. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4 both utilize nylon in their top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic" in its top housing, which also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Despite using different materials, both switches yield similar results in terms of sound quality.
While both switches share similarities in their top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing composition. The Cherry MX Silent Red employs nylon in its bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Similar to the top housing, the bottom housing's softness allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend in the bottom housing, which also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a similar typing experience with their bottom housing qualities.
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4 showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of a switch. While the Cherry MX Silent Red relies on nylon for both its top and bottom housing, offering a consistent deep and full sound profile, the Gazzew U4 employs its proprietary Gazzew blend to achieve a similar effect. Both switches demonstrate how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound quality when typing, with nylon and the Gazzew blend showcasing their softness to absorb sound effectively.
Weight
Both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gazzew U4 switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the U4 switch has a higher force of 62 grams compared to the MX Silent Red, for which the bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Gazzew U4 switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the MX Silent Red switch may be more suitable for those who want a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Gazzew U4 tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them popular choices for those looking for faster response times, particularly gamers. The MX Silent Red may provide a slightly deeper press compared to the U4, making it a good option for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
The Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gazzew U4 switches are known for their muted and quiet operation. The MX Silent Red offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a mechanical switch. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch also provides a muted and low-pitched sound, but with an added element of whisper quietness, making it ideal for even the most noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a pleasant auditory experience, ensuring minimal disruption to those around you.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which can add a subtle tactile feedback to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a pronounced and satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The U4 switch also offers a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding an extra layer of comfort to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users may find the textured feel of the MX Silent Red to be more to their liking, or they may appreciate the distinct sharp tactile bump of the Gazzew U4.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gazzew U4 switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the MX Silent Red provides a slightly heftier and textured typing experience with a quieter sound profile, the Gazzew U4 switch delivers a sharp tactile bump and whisper quiet operation for a more satisfying and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, but rest assured that both switches will provide a high-quality and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the smooth feel of a linear switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharp and pronounced tactile bump that provides a plush bottom-out sensation and a whisper-quiet sound profile, then the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound reduction or tactile feedback in your typing experience. Choose wisely based on your preferences and enjoy your new mechanical keyboard switch!