Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4Tx mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that maintains the slightly heavier feel of the MX Red but operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is a tactile switch that combines the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out, providing a luxurious typing experience. While the MX Silent Red offers a low-pitched and textured feel, the Gazzew U4Tx provides a sharp and tactile bump. 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
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4Tx are both designed to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to their softer plastics that absorb more sound. The MX Silent Red uses a nylon top housing, while the U4Tx's top housing is made from a proprietary Gazzew blend referred to as "boba plastic." Both of these materials deliver a rich and deep sound profile, with the MX Silent Red having a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the U4Tx's softer plastic blend.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4Tx use similar materials to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Silent Red and the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4Tx both contribute to the overall sound experience of the switches. While the bottom housing may have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the housing materials of both switches work together to create a satisfying typing experience with rich and deep sound profiles.
While the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Gazzew U4Tx have different housing materials for the top and bottom, both switches aim to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile through their softer plastic materials. The nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red and the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4Tx both contribute to the overall sound experience, with the U4Tx potentially offering a slightly richer sound due to its proprietary plastic blend. Additionally, the bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users of either switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics. The Cherry MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx has a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In this case, the MX Silent Red is the lighter option, while the Gazzew U4Tx is heavier. However, if both had the same actuation and bottom out forces, users would get similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is slightly longer than the travel distance of 3.6 mm for the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users, especially gamers looking for faster response times. The MX Silent Red may offer a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the U4Tx, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 U4Tx 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 typing experience, minimizing noise and providing a satisfyingly quiet operation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch produces a bassy and muted sound, with a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet sound when topping out. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can choose between a more bass-heavy sound profile or a softer, quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its slightly textured feel, providing a different tactile sensation compared to other linear switches. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a sharp and intense tactile bump with each keystroke, ensuring a highly pronounced feedback that pleases tactile enthusiasts. Whether one prefers a more textured typing experience or a crisp tactile response, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of key feel.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of the Cherry MX Silent Red and Gazzew U4Tx switches, users have the option to choose between a quieter, low-pitched typing experience with a slightly textured feel or a bassy, thocky sound profile with sharp tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience. If you value a quieter typing session with a more textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a pronounced tactile bump with a bassy sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx switch could be the ideal option to elevate your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you require a quieter typing experience for noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice with its silent operation and muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more luxurious typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a deep, rich sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a silent operation or a tactile sensation when typing.
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