Outemu Silent Grey vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gazzew U4Tx mechanical keyboard switches, a clear distinction can be made based on their tactile typing experience. The Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it perfect for those seeking a satisfying and silent option. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch marries the best of both worlds by providing a cleaner, refined sound profile. The U4Tx switches offer a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound, creating a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience. While the Outemu Silent Grey is known for its quiet tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4Tx stands out for its 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing is clearer and more resonant, the U4Tx's top housing offers a softer and deeper sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, the Silent Grey comes equipped with a nylon bottom housing that is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's soft nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the U4Tx utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also offers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. In this aspect, both switches provide a similar sound experience, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing on the switch.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gazzew U4Tx switches differ in their sound profiles, the bottom housing materials offer a similar rich and deep sound experience due to their soft nature. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4Tx delivers a rich and deep tone. Additionally, both switches' nylon bottom housing and proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing contribute to a fuller and more absorbing sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a deeper sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that they have different weight characteristics. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier overall. On the other hand, the U4Tx has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which is lighter in comparison. The actuation force of the U4Tx may be lighter or similar to the Silent Grey, but both switches provide a medium level of resistance when bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the U4Tx. The 4.0 mm distance is more traditional, offering a deeper keystroke feel, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the U4Tx may appeal to those looking for a shorter keystroke for faster response times, a preference often favored by gamers. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx 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 Grey switches offer a quiet and subdued typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a unique blend of deep, bassy tones when bottoming out and a muted sound when topping out, creating a sophisticated and refined sound profile. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switches feature a pronounced tactile bump and smooth keystrokes, delivering a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a sharp and intense tactile feedback with a prominent bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Both switches are designed to provide a tactile typing experience, ensuring precision and comfort during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are ideal for those seeking a quiet and tactile typing experience, while the Gazzew U4Tx switches cater to users looking for a sophisticated sound profile and intense tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that you achieve your desired level of comfort and performance.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and a highly tactile yet quiet typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, along with a refined, bassy sound profile and a sharp tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
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