Outemu Silver vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and Gazzew U4Tx RGB present two distinct options tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Silver, a linear switch, is favored by gamers and typists who appreciate a smooth keystroke without the tactile feedback, enabling rapid key presses and a quieter experience. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, categorized as a tactile switch, offers a satisfying "thock" sound upon bottoming out and a pronounced tactile bump, making each press feel both luxurious and precise—ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize speed and silence or tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silver and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches demonstrate distinct characteristics that influence the auditory and tactile experiences of each switch. The Outemu Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for delivering a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate’s stiffer composition, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Its translucency also allows it to effectively transmit RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for aesthetically appealing builds. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB features a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for its top housing. This material is softer than polycarbonate, leading to a richer and deeper sound profile, which might provide a more subdued auditory feedback compared to the sharper sounds generated by the Silver's housing.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches seem to share similarities that influence their overall sound profiles. The Outemu Silver employs a nylon bottom housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon contributes to a muted, rounder auditory experience, resulting in a more cushioned bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB also utilizes the proprietary "boba plastic" for its bottom housing, which similarly contributes to a rich sound profile with a softer, more absorbing quality. This commonality in bottom housing materials suggests that both switches will offer a solid yet muted bottom-out sound experience, although the overall sound profile could still vary depending on the top housing materials and designs employed.
The interaction between top and bottom housings ultimately shapes the auditory feedback experienced when using these switches. With the Outemu Silver’s harder polycarbonate top, the crisp sound upon releasing a key starkly contrasts with the softer sound generated by the Gazzew U4Tx RGB’s boba plastic top. However, since both switches utilize softer materials in their bottom housings, users can expect a fuller and rounder bottom-out experience from both, with the key differentiation coming from the distinct top housing materials. Ultimately, while the switches have their unique characteristics, the combination of a similar bottom housing material allows for a comparable bottom-out experience, despite differences in sound profiles when the keys are pressed and released.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, a notable difference arises in their actuation forces. The Outemu Silver has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, signifying a moderate effort needed to register a keystroke, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch has an unspecified actuation force. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating that they offer a similar level of resistance when fully depressed. Consequently, users seeking a lighter typing experience would find the Outemu Silver more appealing due to its specified actuation force, while those who prefer a heavier feel might want to consider the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, although the unknown actuation force could potentially align with either category. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter experience for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Outemu Silver is the better choice. However, for a more substantial push feel, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB could be worth exploring if more details about its actuation force become available.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Silver measuring 4 mm and the U4Tx RGB at 3.6 mm. This makes the Outemu Silver the longer option, providing a more pronounced depth with each keypress. While some users may appreciate the Silver's greater travel distance for its traditional feel, others, particularly gamers, might lean towards the shorter 3.6 mm of the U4Tx RGB for its quicker response time. Shorter travel distances are increasingly favored in modern keyboards for their improved speed, but some may find the abruptness of such switches less comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences—those seeking a deeper keystroke might prefer the Silver, while those prioritizing responsiveness will likely opt for the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silver 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Outemu Silver is known for its silence, providing a smooth typing experience without any discernible sound. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a unique auditory experience characterized by the deep, resonant "thock" produced during bottoming out, combined with a quieter topping out sound. This combination gives the U4Tx RGB a more pronounced sound profile that may be more satisfying to those who appreciate audible feedback while typing.
The feeling of the Outemu Silver switch is typically smooth and linear, providing a consistent resistance throughout the key press without any tactile bump, which can be appealing for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a distinct tactile bump, allowing for a more engaging typing experience. This tactile feedback not only adds to the overall enjoyment but also aids in typing accuracy, making it preferable for those who like to have more pronounced key responses.
In conclusion, when selecting between the Outemu Silver and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, it’s clear that they each cater to different types of users. The Silver excels in providing a silent, smooth experience, ensuring minimal distraction during use. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB delivers a richer auditory and tactile experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy the feedback of a tactile bump and a deep sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your preferences for sound and feel, whether you lean towards a quiet and smooth linear action or a more engaging tactile experience with rich acoustics.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smooth linear feel without any tactile feedback, the Outemu Silver is a solid choice, especially for fast-paced gaming where every keystroke counts. However, keep in mind that it lacks the signature sound and feedback found in more specialized switches. On the other hand, if you enjoy typing and want a more tactile experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is likely the better option for you. Its luxurious tactile bump and deep "thock" sound can enhance your overall typing experience while remaining relatively quiet for your surroundings. Both switches have a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, making them suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance while typing or gaming. In the end, it all comes down to whether you value a smooth and linear keypress or a satisfying tactile experience with a refined acoustic profile.
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