Outemu Silent Green vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to choose between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silent Green, a linear switch, and the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch. The Silent Green is best known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the U4 stands out for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, as well as its plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4 also offers a sound profile that is whisper quiet, appealing to those who value a quiet environment. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Silent Green and the Gazzew U4 switches both use unique housing materials to enhance their sound profiles. The Silent Green utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the materials may differ, both switches aim to provide a distinct sound experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
One key difference between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The Silent Green's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This allows for a visually appealing experience when combined with colorful lighting effects. On the other hand, the U4's Gazzew blend top housing may not have the same transparency as polycarbonate, but it contributes to a deep and resonant sound profile that is unique to the switch. Despite these differences, both housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound characteristics of the switches.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience, the differences between the Outemu Silent Green and the Gazzew U4 become more apparent. The qualities of the housing material are divided between the top and bottom housing of the switch, influencing the sound and feel during typing. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division highlights how the choice of housing material can impact different aspects of the typing experience, offering users a unique and customizable feel with each key press.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is clear that they both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Green requires 60 grams while the U4 requires 62 grams, making the U4 slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Green may be the better option, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the U4 with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches provide a medium actuation force, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Silent Green being on the longer side and the U4 being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the U4 for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Silent Green. 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?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Green comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is known for being quiet, but the Gazzew U4 tactile switch takes it to the next level with a whisper-quiet sound profile. The U4 switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more subtle and pleasing auditory experience compared to the Silent Green.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is described as sharp. The U4's sharp tactile bump provides a high feedback intensity, allowing for a distinct and satisfying keypress with each stroke. This sharp tactile feedback sets it apart from the Silent Green linear switch, which may not offer the same level of tactile response for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback sensation.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Green switch may be a solid choice for those seeking a quiet linear switch, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch excels in providing a unique tactile experience with its sharp tactile bump and whisper-quiet sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with the Silent Green and U4 switches, but with notable differences that may influence their decision based on individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a whisper-quiet typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch may be the best choice for you. However, if you desire a tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, a sharp tactile bump, and a plush bottom-out sensation, then the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be the ideal option. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches and choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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