Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch, delivering a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback or audible clicks, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize quiet operation and a seamless typing experience—perfect for quiet office environments or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is a tactile switch that combines a satisfying "thock" sound with a distinct tactile bump, creating a luxurious typing experience that many users find rewarding. The tactile feedback can help improve typing accuracy and make every keystroke more enjoyable, appealing to those who appreciate a richer auditory and physical response. Both switches offer unique benefits, so the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference and intended use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, notable differences arise in their respective top housings. The Silent Yellow features polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality enhances the clarity of the audio output, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke sound. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic," which is softer and yields a richer, deeper sound. While both materials serve the purpose of allowing RGB lighting to shine through, the polycarbonate in the Silent Yellow is designed to create a more resonant experience, providing a brighter aesthetic appeal for those who prioritize visual and auditory clarity.

The bottom housings of both switches exhibit similarities in their choice of material, with the Silent Yellow using nylon and the U4Tx RGB utilizing the same proprietary Gazzew blend referred to as "boba plastic." Nylon is a classic choice in switch design, recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's blend shares this softness, enabling it to absorb sound effectively and create a remarkably rich typing experience. This similarity means that while the top housings differ in sound characteristics, both switches can deliver a satisfying, round sound when bottoming out, attributed to their softer materials.

Ultimately, the sound experience varies depending on both housing materials, but certain similarities lead to comparable results. The contrasting qualities of the top housings allow for a spectrum of auditory experiences, where the Silent Yellow provides a bright and crisp sound while the U4Tx RGB offers a deeper resonance. However, because both designs incorporate softer plastics in their bottom housings, both switches will produce a rich, well-rounded sound when keys are fully pressed down. Users can therefore expect a fulfilling typing experience whether they choose the sharper sound profile of the Silent Yellow or the deeper tones of the U4Tx RGB, each tailored to different auditory preferences while sharing a common foundation that enhances their overall performance.

Weight

The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among keyboard users. The Silent Yellow switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium, and a bottom out force of 60 grams. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests that the U4Tx requires more force when fully pressed down compared to the Silent Yellow. Consequently, the Silent Yellow is the lighter option, making it suitable for users who prefer typing for extended periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial tactile feedback that some users might find more satisfying. Overall, those seeking a softer typing experience would lean towards the Silent Yellow, while those who appreciate a stronger push should consider the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Silent Yellow boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional and more substantial feel many users appreciate for a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it more responsive and appealing for gamers who favor quicker actuation. This difference in travel distance means that those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying depth should opt for the Silent Yellow, while users who prioritize speed and efficiency in fast-paced gaming should consider the U4Tx RGB. Ultimately, the Silent Yellow offers a longer travel distance, whereas the U4Tx RGB's shorter distance may feel overly abrupt for some, but is preferred for rapid key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. The sound profile is subtle due to its linear design, leading to a muted auditory feedback that won’t disturb others around you. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a compelling auditory experience characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, coupled with a quiet and stealthy ascent due to its design. This combination creates a refined sound profile that strikes a balance between being noticeable and not overly loud, making it suitable for both typing and gaming environments. It's important to note that the actual sound may vary depending on the keyboard construction, materials, and keycap choices.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch boasts a smooth linear action without tactile bumps or clicks, allowing for effortless key presses. This results in a consistent and uninterrupted typing experience, ideal for rapid key presses during gaming or long typing sessions. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch provides a sharp tactile bump that is both pronounced and satisfying, enhancing the typing experience by offering feedback at the actuation point. This tactile response can help improve typing accuracy and adds an engaging sensation as each key is pressed, appealing to users who prefer tactile feedback over a linear feel.

In conclusion, while both the Outemu Silent Yellow and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches cater to different preferences, they offer unique characteristics that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. The Silent Yellow excels in providing a silent and smooth typing experience, while the U4Tx brings a tactile richness coupled with a refined sound profile. Depending on your priorities—whether you value a quiet environment or enjoy tactile feedback and a pleasing sound—the choice between these two switches can significantly shape your overall satisfaction with a keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your preferences for sound, actuation feedback, and the typing experience you seek. If you value a smooth and quiet typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent Yellow would be ideal, particularly in environments where noise levels matter, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback combined with a satisfying "thock" sound while typing—with the added advantage of RGB compatibility—the U4Tx RGB, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, is likely the better choice for you. This switch offers a luxurious typing sensation with its refined sound profile and tactile bump, making it a fantastic option for building a keyboard that’s not only responsive but also enjoyable in terms of audio feedback. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize silence or tactile richness in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more