Outemu Silent Green vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Silent Green, a linear switch, with the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, there are several factors to consider. The Silent Green is best known for its smooth and quiet typing experience, ideal for those who prefer minimal sound and a consistent feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is renowned for its combination of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback with every press. While the Silent Green may be preferred for its linear and quiet operation, the U4T stands out for its pronounced tactile feedback and unique sound profile. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Gazzew U4T switches are both designed to enhance the sound profile of the switch. The Silent Green features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the U4T uses a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Silent Green's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing focuses on depth and richness in sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become more apparent. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green complements its top housing by enhancing the sharp and clear sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T adds to the rich and deep sound profile delivered by its top housing. While both switches aim to optimize the overall sound experience, the choice of housing material in the bottom plays a significant role in how the switch feels and sounds when pressed down.
In summary, while the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Gazzew U4T switches may differ in terms of polycarbonate and Gazzew blend, respectively, both switches ultimately aim to enhance the sound profile of the keys. Whether it's creating a sharper and crisper sound with the Silent Green or a rich and deep sound with the U4T, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. By understanding how each housing material influences the sound profile, users can choose the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have medium actuation forces, with the Silent Green requiring 45 grams and the U4T having an unknown force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Green is lighter at 60 grams compared to the U4T's medium-heavy 65 grams. Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter force may be preferred for extended typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier force provides a more substantial typing experience. In this case, if a lighter actuation force is desired, the Outemu Silent Green would be the better choice, whereas if a heavier bottom out force is preferred, the Gazzew U4T would be the ideal option. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience for different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, they both provide a consistent typing experience with the same amount of keypress travel. This means that regardless of which switch is used, the user can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel distance. This similarity allows for a consistent feel when typing on keyboards equipped with either the Outemu Silent Green or the Gazzew U4T switches. Despite any other differences between the two switches, their travel distance remains the same, ensuring a familiar typing experience for users.
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 U4T 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 providing a quiet typing experience with no specific sound profile to mention. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is recognized for its bassy 'thock' sound profile, which offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This unique combination of bass tones and a thocky sound signature creates an immersive auditory experience that adds a satisfying element to typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is characterized by its sharp tactile feedback, offering a high intensity tactile bump that is distinct and satisfying with each keypress. This sharp tactility enhances the typing experience, providing feedback that is both responsive and pronounced.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Green and Gazzew U4T switches offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Green provides a quiet typing experience with an unknown feel, the Gazzew U4T excels in delivering a bassy thock sound profile and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between a quiet linear switch or a tactile switch that offers a profound auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, allowing users to customize their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and satisfying typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel – whether you value a quiet and linear typing experience or a tactile and satisfying one. Either way, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.