Outemu Silent White vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and Gazzew U4T offer distinct typing experiences that appeal to different preferences. The Silent White is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes and lack of audible feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T is a tactile switch, celebrated for its unique blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with each key press. While the Silent White may be preferred for its silence, the U4T appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. 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
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Silent White switch features a polycarbonate top housing which gives a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Gazzew U4T switch utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing for a richer and deeper sound profile. Both top housings offer distinct advantages in sound quality, with the polycarbonate creating a clearer and resonant sound and the Gazzew blend providing a softer and richer sound. While the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting, the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing is praised for its unique boba plastic blend.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Silent White switch uses a nylon material to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gazzew U4T switch employs the same proprietary Gazzew blend for a rich and deep sound quality. Both bottom housings offer a softer plastic material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This shared characteristic between the two switches demonstrates their focus on creating a satisfying typing experience with a softer and more absorbent bottom housing material.
Although the top and bottom housings vary between the Outemu Silent White and Gazzew U4T switches, the qualities of each material are still present in both switches. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more when bottoming out a key, influencing the sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing's impact is more noticeable when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences, with the Silent White emphasizing clarity and resonance with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the U4T focuses on rich and deep sound with its proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, the actuation force of the Silent White is 45 grams, while the U4T is unknown. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and 65 grams, respectively. In terms of weight, the Silent White is lighter, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the U4T is heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium level of resistance, but the difference in weight between the two may sway individuals towards one or the other based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that the Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the U4T's longer 4 mm travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the Silent White may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the U4T may be preferred by those looking for a more satisfying keystroke depth. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, with the Silent White providing a quicker actuation and the U4T offering a more pronounced keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent White 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 White switch is known for its quiet operation with no specific sound characteristics highlighted. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch stands out for its bassy thocky sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The U4T switch offers a more satisfying auditory experience with its distinctive low-frequency thocky sound, which can enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch is praised for its sharp tactile feedback. With a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress, the U4T switch offers a more pronounced and satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a tactile typing feel.
Overall, if you are looking for a quiet switch with no specific sound characteristics and an unknown feel, the Outemu Silent White switch may be a suitable choice. However, for those seeking a more engaging typing experience with a bassy thocky sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T switch would be a preferred option. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch are also influenced by factors like keyboard build and keycap choice, so experimenting with different setups may help achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider the differences in bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Silent White at 60 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier bottom out force, the U4T at 65 grams would be a better option. Additionally, if you value a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, the U4T would provide a more satisfying typing experience. However, if you prefer a quieter switch, the Silent White may be the way to go. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel when typing.
Mentioned in this article
