Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one seeks. The Cherry MX Silent Red is an excellent option for those who appreciate the smooth linear action of the MX Red but require a quieter performance, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments such as offices or shared spaces. This switch maintains a slightly heftier feel, providing a comforting typing experience without the disruptive clicks or clacks, categorized by its muted, low-pitched, and textured characteristics. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T appeals to users who crave a tactile and engaging typing experience. With its unique combination of a bassy 'thock' sound and assertive tactile feedback, each keystroke delivers both auditory pleasure and a satisfying tactile response, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a more pronounced sensation during use. While both switches cater to different needs, they each offer distinct advantages for different scenarios; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4T switches utilize distinctly different housing materials, yet they share common characteristics that influence their auditory profiles. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties and sound-absorbing abilities, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This classic material effectively creates a duller, rounder sound due to its capacity to absorb sound, making it a popular choice among users seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T employs a proprietary blend of plastics, often referred to as "boba plastic," which also emphasizes softness. This material similarly enhances sound quality, providing a rich and deep auditory experience, akin to the MX Silent Red.
Looking closely at the bottom housings, both the MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4T again demonstrate the importance of housing material in crafting user experience. The MX Silent Red's nylon bottom housing complements its top, further deepening the sound profile while contributing to a softer bottom-out feel. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4T's bottom housing, made from the same proprietary blend, helps maintain its rich sound signature throughout the keypress. The inherent softness of both materials results in switches that not only absorb sound effectively but also lend themselves to a more cushioned feel when the keys are bottomed out, enhancing overall typing comfort.
While the specific materials differ between the two switches, the impact on sound and feel is quite similar due to their shared emphasis on softness. Each design influences the auditory experience distinctly—nylon offers a traditional feel, while "boba plastic" introduces a modern twist with its proprietary formulation. However, regardless of the individual materials, users can expect a muted and rounded sound profile thanks to the inherent properties of both the nylon and Gazzew’s blend, which absorb sound waves effectively. Users transitioning from MX Silent Reds to Gazzew U4T switches will likely appreciate the familiar deep sound profile and pleasant tactile sensations, showcasing how variations in material can lead to similarly satisfying results.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence user experience. The Cherry MX Silent Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T has an unspecified actuation force and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This means that the MX Silent Red is lighter in terms of its known actuation force, which may appeal to those looking for a switch that allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. However, the Gazzew U4T offers a heavier bottom out force, giving a more substantial feel when pressing down completely. Ultimately, if users prioritize a lighter typing experience with softer feedback, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the preferable choice, while those who favor a firmer keystroke might lean toward the Gazzew U4T for its tactile feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, a distinct difference can be observed. The Cherry MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gazzew U4T features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that for users seeking a more responsive feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which is advantageous for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Conversely, those who appreciate a fuller depth in their keystrokes may find the Gazzew U4T's longer travel distance more to their liking, as it provides a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, the discrepancy in travel distance between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the MX Silent Red being the shorter option and the U4T being the longer.
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 U4T 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, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, producing a quieter typing experience that is well-suited for noise-sensitive settings. It achieves a soft and gentle tone, resembling a deep "thud" upon actuation, without the clacking typically associated with traditional mechanical switches. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch brings a more resonant auditory experience characterized by a bassy and thocky sound. This switch delivers a pronounced depth and richness in its sound profile, providing an engaging auditory response with each keystroke. While both switches can produce a thock-like sound, the U4T adds more emphasis on the deeper bass frequencies, resulting in a fuller acoustic charm.
Regarding feel, the MX Silent Red is noted for its slightly textured surface, which introduces a subtle friction during key presses. This texture can be appealing to users who appreciate a sense of interaction while typing, albeit without significantly interrupting flow. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is designed with a sharp tactile feedback that is more pronounced than what the MX Silent Red offers. The upright tactile bump in the U4T is strong and crisp, giving users a vivid tactile experience that enhances typing confidence and precision. Thus, while both offer distinct sensations, the U4T provides a more assertive tactile response compared to the softer, less pronounced feedback of the MX Silent Red.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gazzew U4T switches cater to different preferences and environments. The MX Silent Red is perfect for those prioritizing a quiet, smooth typing experience with a gentle tactile feel, making it ideal for office use. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T appeals to those who enjoy a more resonant sound and a pronounced tactile bump for an engaging typing experience. While the sound and feel differ significantly, each switch has its merits, ensuring that users can find a keyboard tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch ultimately hinges on your unique typing preferences and your environment. If you're in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared living space, the Cherry MX Silent Red is undoubtedly the better option. Its silent operation, combined with a smooth typing experience, allows you to work or play without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more expressive and tactile typing experience, the Gazzew U4T will likely appeal to you with its pronounced tactile feedback and satisfying thocky sound profile. This switch offers a robust keystroke sensation that can enrich your typing or gaming sessions, particularly if you appreciate the auditory elements of mechanical switches. Essentially, if you prefer quiet efficiency, opt for the Silent Red; if you seek tactile pleasure and auditory satisfaction, the U4T will be your ally. By considering these factors, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
