Outemu Silent Green vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to the desired typing experience and sound profile. The Outemu Silent Green, a linear switch, is designed for a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter environment or enjoy the fluidity of key travels without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out as a tactile switch that offers a satisfying "thock" sound upon bottoming out, combined with a pronounced tactile bump for an enhanced tactile feel. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate feedback during typing and enjoy a more immersive auditory experience. Though both switches cater to different preferences—one prioritizing silence and smoothness while the other emphasizes tactility and sound—each brings unique advantages to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Green and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, influencing their respective sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Silent Green utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This stiffer plastic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile, making the switches particularly appealing for users who favor a more resonant auditory experience. The clarity of the polycarbonate also enhances the effects of RGB lighting, allowing for a visually vibrant appearance when incorporated into a keyboard layout.
In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB features a proprietary blend of plastic often referred to as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This material is characterized by its softness, which results in a richer, deeper sound profile compared to that of the Silent Green. The softer nature of the Gazzew blend modifies the auditory feedback from key presses, producing a soundscape that may be more appealing to users who prefer a subdued and more controlled acoustic experience. Aesthetic differences are also present, as the opaque nature of the proprietary blend may not allow RGB effects to shine as brightly as they do with the translucent polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green.
When considering the combined effects of these materials, the Silent Green's stiffness and clarity create a pronounced contrast to the U4Tx RGB's richness and softness. The distinct sound profiles emerge based on the physical characteristics of the materials used, where pressing down on either switch highlights the qualities of the bottom housing. While the Silent Green delivers a crisp sound, the U4Tx RGB offers a thicker, more rounded auditory feedback, creating diverse typing experiences for users. Ultimately, both switches excel in their unique ways, but preferences will largely depend on whether one desires a sharper sound, as provided by the Silent Green, or a deeper resonance, as offered by the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we see distinct differences that cater to varied typing preferences. The Silent Green switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which positions it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, while the U4Tx RGB does not specify its actuation force, it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This means that the U4Tx RGB offers a slightly heavier feel at the bottom, making it potentially more satisfying for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Despite the unknown actuation force for the U4Tx RGB, it can be inferred that its actuation will likely be in a similar range, given the heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Silent Green is the lighter option, which may appeal to users looking for a less strenuous typing experience during long work or gaming sessions, while the heavier U4Tx might better suit those who enjoy a more forceful and tactile feedback while typing.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys, the Silent Green provides a more substantial feel with its longer distance, which might appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, making it feel more immediate and sharper. If you value a more pronounced experience in your keystrokes, the Silent Green is the way to go; however, for those leaning towards faster performance, the U4Tx RGB will better suit their needs. Overall, the Silent Green offers a more traditional feel, while the U4Tx RGB reflects the contemporary trend towards shorter travel distances for enhanced speed.
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 U4Tx RGB 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 offers a whisper-quiet operation that minimizes noise during typing, making it ideal for settings where quiet is paramount. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch produces a distinct sound profile characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, combined with soft, quiet tones at the top end. This unique blend not only enhances the overall auditory experience with a refined quality but also provides a satisfying acoustic feedback, ensuring that users can enjoy both a luxurious sound experience and a stealthy typing behavior.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Green features a smooth linear movement, which means there is no tactile bump throughout the keypress, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes. This makes it perfect for users who prefer a seamless typing experience without tactile distractions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB delivers a pronounced tactile bump, giving users a sharp sensation of actuation. This tactile feedback creates a more engaging typing feel, contributing to a sense of satisfaction and confidence in each keypress. Ultimately, while the Silent Green focuses on fluidity and noise reduction, the U4Tx RGB aims for a luxurious and tactile engagement.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch cater to distinct typing preferences. If you prioritize a quiet experience with smooth keystrokes, the Silent Green has you covered. Conversely, if you appreciate a richer sound and tactile feedback, the U4Tx RGB switch excels in those areas. Depending on your typing style and environment, you can achieve similarly enjoyable results by selecting the switch that aligns with your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a quieter experience—perhaps for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions—the Silent Green switch, with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, will suit you well. Its smooth linear action allows for seamless keypresses without any notable sound, making it a good choice for those who prefer an uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, if you crave a more tactile and audibly satisfying feedback while typing, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is your best option. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and a distinctive deep "thock" sound complemented by a sharp tactile bump, these switches bring a luxurious feel to each keystroke that many find addictive. Ultimately, consider where you’ll be using your keyboard and what typing sensations you enjoy most; both options offer unique benefits that cater to different typing styles.
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