Outemu Silent White vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stand out as distinct choices catering to different typing preferences. The Outemu Silent White, a linear switch, is favored by users who appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback or audible noise, making it ideal for quiet environments or prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is a tactile switch known for its satisfying "thock" sound when bottoming out and a sharp tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback without being overly loud. This combination yields a luxurious typing experience that can enhance both gaming and typing enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the Outemu Silent White and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, one of the most notable differences lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic allows the switch to create a crisper sound, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a high-pitched auditory response when typing. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary Gazzew blend plastic, often referred to as "boba plastic," which is softer and results in a richer, deeper sound profile. This difference in material inherently influences how each switch sounds and feels, particularly during the release of a key, showcasing the impact of the top housing on the overall auditory experience.
The bottom housings of both switches present a point of convergence, though they utilize different materials to arrive at a similar effect. The Silent White incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, which is a classic choice among mechanical switches. Nylon’s softer nature achieves a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more noise than harder plastics. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing is crafted from the same proprietary Gazzew blend material utilized in its top housing. This consistency allows both the Silent White and U4Tx RGB to share some qualities in their sound, as the U4Tx RGB's soft blend also contributes to a rich auditory performance. The bottom housing's effect on the bottoming-out sound is foundational in both designs, although the individual materials still impart unique characteristics.
In terms of overall performance, the differences in their top housings give rise to distinct sound profiles, while the soft qualities of the bottom housings facilitate a certain uniformity in feel and sound depth. When you actuate either switch, the impact from the top housing affects the sound upon release, while the bottom housing influences how the key feels upon bottom-out. This means that even though the Silent White and U4Tx RGB exhibit differing top housing materials, users can still achieve a satisfying typing experience through their softer bottom housings. Thus, while one might prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Silent White or the rich depth offered by the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx RGB, both can cater to similar preferences for sound quality and typing feel when used in practice.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch that offers a comfortable typing experience, suitable for extended sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB lacks a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This indicates that while the Silent White is designed for lighter and potentially quicker keystrokes, the U4Tx RGB gives a more substantial feel with a heavier bottom out force. Therefore, for users who prefer a lighter switch for typing or gaming, the Outemu Silent White is the better option. However, those seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback and a firmer push may lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx RGB. Overall, the differences in their weights provide distinct experiences suited to varying preferences between typists and gamers.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Silent White switch provides a shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its quicker actuation. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB’s longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for the tactile feedback it provides when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Silent White would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes might gravitate towards the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.
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 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 White linear switch is known for its unusually quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. This switch is designed to minimize audible feedback, allowing for discreet typing without disturbance. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch offers a more refined audio experience, characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, combined with the subtle quietness of the topping out phase. This results in a well-balanced sound profile that gives satisfying auditory feedback while maintaining a relatively low noise level. The difference in sound between the two switches sets them apart, with the U4Tx providing a more pronounced and enjoyable audio cue compared to the Silent White's muted operation.
When examining the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent White presents a smooth linear action, providing a consistent and uninterrupted typing experience without any tactile feedback. This can be ideal for those who prefer a more fluid motion with less resistance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch incorporates a noticeable tactile bump that enhances the typing experience by providing a sharp distinction at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can help typists feel more connected to their strokes, adding a layer of satisfaction during use. The Silent White is suited for those who want an unobtrusive touch, while the U4Tx caters to users who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch cater to different preferences and environments. The Silent White focuses on quietness and smooth operation, ideal for those who desire discreetness, while the U4Tx RGB offers a luxurious tactile experience paired with refined sound. If sound is prioritized, the U4Tx RGB will provide satisfying feedback, while the Silent White ensures a nearly silent typing experience. When it comes to feel, the choice lies between a smooth, uninterrupted actuation and a tactile bump that enhances connection with each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you value silence or tactile feedback more in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a switch that provides a smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force and minimal noise—making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces—the Silent White is a solid choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force offers a balanced resistance that many users find comfortable, especially if you type extensively throughout the day. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback that allows for more engaging typing sessions and you appreciate a richer sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB might be the way to go. With its 65-gram bottom-out force and pronounced tactile bump, it caters to those who prefer a more substantial and luxurious feel while typing, all while maintaining a refined "thock" sound that adds an auditory pleasure to your keystrokes. Therefore, consider your environment, typing style, and sound preferences carefully to choose the switch that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience the most.
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