Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your overall experience, particularly for gamers and typists alike. The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is celebrated for its lightning-fast response, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance, making it a gamer’s dream where rapid keystrokes are vital. This switch provides a smooth, uninterrupted press, characterized by a textured feel and low pitch, ideally suited for competitive play where every millisecond counts. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a delightful tactile experience with a pronounced bump and a plush “thock” sound at bottom-out. Designed for those who appreciate a quieter and more refined acoustic signature, the U4Tx excels in providing a luxurious typing experience with its muted, bassy characteristics. While the Speed Silver switch may appeal to gamers prioritizing speed, the U4Tx caters to those who prefer tactile feedback and sound aesthetics in their daily typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Speed Silver and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches exhibit distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall acoustic qualities. The MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, which is known for providing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb some sound waves, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which shares similar acoustic advantages with the nylon. This custom plastic blend also promotes a rich and deep sound profile, likely allowing users to experience a comparable auditory quality when typing on both switches, despite the difference in material.

When examining the bottom housings of these switches, the similarities in sound transmission become even more pronounced. Both the MX Speed Silver and U4Tx RGB feature nylon and boba plastic, respectively, in their bottom housing constructions. As with the top housing, nylon's softer nature contributes to a fuller sound profile in the Speed Silver—this is complemented by the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's proprietary blend which echoes the same result. The impact of these housing materials is significant, as the bottom housing directly affects the sounding upon bottoming out the switch. Consequently, users will likely notice that both switches provide a satisfying thud on actuation due to their similar approaches to material softness.

In practical terms, the differences in housing materials may lead to varying tactile experiences; however, the retention of the deep sound profiles is a noteworthy point of comparison. While the Cherry MX's nylon is a well-established standard in the industry, the Gazzew's proprietary blend offers a modern twist that meets similar acoustic goals. Therefore, whether utilizing the classic nylon or the innovative "boba plastic," users can expect a rich auditory experience across both switch types. Ultimately, whether one prefers the established pedigree of nylon or the intriguing properties of a proprietary blend, both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience that emphasizes sound quality and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch to the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their usability. The Cherry MX Speed Silver has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively light and suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving us without a comparison for the full travel experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has an unknown actuation force but a definite bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This heavier resistance at bottom out provides a more substantial feel, which can be preferred by those who favor a stronger push. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter switch, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the clear option, while those who appreciate a more robust typing experience might lean towards the U4Tx RGB.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it is evident that the Speed Silver offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference might influence your typing or gaming experience significantly; for instance, the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver allows for quicker key presses, making it a favorable option for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a more pronounced depth that some users may find more satisfying for prolonged typing sessions. Thus, if you prefer quick responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the better choice, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx RGB caters to those who appreciate a bit more travel and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch produces a low-pitched tone characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This makes it relatively unobtrusive, suitable for environments where noise levels matter. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a more complex sound profile. It features a muted quality, resulting in softer key presses that minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a good choice for quiet settings. However, it also delivers a deep "thock" when bottoming out, which lends a richness to each keystroke. The sound of both switches will, of course, be influenced by the specific keyboard plate and keycaps used, but the overall tonal experience will vary significantly between the two.

Regarding feel, the MX Speed Silver is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction during key presses, which can add a distinct tactile feedback that some users enjoy. This texture may not be to everyone's liking, especially if one prefers a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB does not have a specific feel descriptor listed, which leaves the experience somewhat ambiguous. However, users often report satisfying tactile bumps in tactile switches that provide immediate feedback without disruption, making it likely that the U4Tx RGB also offers a refined and pleasant typing experience.

In summary, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver excels in delivering a low-pitched sound ideal for gaming, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out for its muted yet deep auditory qualities, making it perfect for quieter environments. In terms of feel, the Speed Silver’s textured action may appeal to those who enjoy a bit of friction when typing, while the exact tactile nature of the U4Tx RGB remains unspecified but likely lends a luxurious typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different aspects of keyboard usage, which suggests that your ultimate choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or a rich, tactile experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches ultimately depends on your priorities and typing preferences. If you're a gamer who values rapid response and speed, the MX Speed Silver is likely your best bet. Its linear nature and low spring resistance allow for instant actuation, making it an exceptional choice for fast-paced gaming where every millisecond counts. Furthermore, the low-pitched sound profile, while textured, caters to those who might appreciate a more bass-heavy auditory experience without being overly noisy. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards a luxurious typing experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB will serve you well. With its medium-heavy actuation force and sharp tactile bump, it provides a satisfying feel ideal for typing tasks. The muted and bassy sound enhances this experience, making it a great option for quieter environments where you wish to minimize distractions. By considering these attributes—gaming efficiency versus typing comfort—you can confidently select the switch that best suits your individual needs.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more