Huano Sakura vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often come down to the distinct feel and sound profile of the switches themselves. The Huano Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue and provides a smooth, linear experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a delightful tactile experience, known for its combination of thockiness and sharp tactility. This switch produces a satisfying bassy 'thock' sound on each keystroke, giving users an auditory and tactile feedback that many find gratifying. Thus, while the Sakura excels in providing a lightweight and quiet typing experience, the U4T stands out for its tactile engagement and rich sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Gazzew U4T switches, notable differences emerge in their construction, specifically in the top housing. The Sakura features a POK top housing, known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. It boasts a coefficient of friction of 0.04, making it quite smooth compared to the lower friction materials like LY at 0.03. Moreover, POK is significantly tougher than traditional materials such as POM, with wear resistance 14 times higher and shock resistance 2.3 times that of Nylon. This durability, combined with its smooth operation, contributes to a desirable "clacky" sound during typing. In contrast, the U4T's top housing is made from a proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic." While the exact characteristics of this blend may vary, its softness is credited with providing a rich and deep sound profile. Consequently, the two materials offer differing tactile and auditory experiences despite both serving well for smooth key presses.
The bottom housings of both switches reveal a compelling similarity, as both the Sakura and U4T utilize nylon and a proprietary Gazzew blend, respectively. The Sakura's nylon bottom housing is acclaimed for its ability to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience due to its softer composition. It creates a duller, rounder sound that many users may find appealing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T's bottom housing, also noted for its softness, delivers a corresponding rich and deep sound profile, akin to the performance of nylon. Thus, while the top housings differ significantly in material and purpose, the bottom housings align in their emphasis on sound quality, contributing similarly to the overall acoustic experience of the switches.
Together, the contrasting materials of the top housings and the aligned properties of the bottom housings contribute to a unique overall typing experience for both switches. The performance of the Sakura's durable POK top housing ensures smooth key presses, while the U4T's softer plastic enhances the auditory feedback. The result is that each switch offers its users a distinct feel: the Sakura emphasizes smoothness and durability in the top housing, while the U4T focuses on providing a warm sound profile through its proprietary blend. However, both switches ultimately deliver a rich typing experience, with their individual bottom housings adding depth to the overall sound and feel. Through their combination of these material properties, the switches cater to different user preferences while still achieving desirable outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura switch has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer effortless typing, especially during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4T lacks a specified actuation force but does feature a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This heavier bottom out contributes to a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push feel. As a result, the Huano Sakura switch is definitely the lighter option, while the Gazzew U4T is the heavier one, catering to different user preferences in typing feel and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Sakura linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sakura switch features a shorter travel distance compared to the U4T. Given that a shorter travel distance is often favored by gamers for enhanced responsiveness, the Sakura may be more appealing to those prioritizing quick key presses. Conversely, the U4T, with its longer travel distance, could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, as it provides a deeper feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether one favors speed and agility or a richer tactile sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
The Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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
The sound characteristics of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch are distinctly different. The Sakura offers medium acoustics that provide a balanced auditory experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without overwhelming nearby users. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T boasts a more pronounced bassy and thocky sound profile. The bassy quality delivers a deeper resonance during key presses, reminiscent of rich bass tones, while the thocky nature adds a substantial “thud” upon activation. This combination results in an auditory experience that is both satisfying and engaging, although it might be a bit more pronounced in terms of volume compared to the more subtle Sakura.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Huano Sakura linear switch is known for its feather-light touch, allowing for effortless keystrokes that are perfect for long typing sessions. The Gazzew U4T, on the other hand, is characterized by its sharp tactile feedback. The prominent tactile bump provides strong and crisp signals with each keypress, enhancing the typing experience by giving clear feedback. While both switches aim to provide a compelling typing experience, the Sakura focuses on smoothness and ease-of-use, while the U4T prioritizes pronounced tactile feedback and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Huano Sakura linear switch is ideal for those who value a smooth and quiet typing experience, particularly beneficial for long durations. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch caters to users who enjoy a more engaging and responsive experience with its assertive tactile feedback and rich sound profile. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can select the switch that best suits your typing style, whether you lean towards the soothing nature of the Sakura or the dynamic interaction offered by the U4T.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider your typing habits and personal preferences. If you often engage in long typing sessions and prioritize a light touch, the Sakura switch is the ideal choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force, medium acoustics, and overall feather-light feel make it perfect for those seeking a smooth typing experience without the strain of heavier switches. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more dynamic typing experience with substantial tactile feedback and deeper sound profiles, the Gazzew U4T will be more up your alley. Its 65-gram actuation force offers a gratifying heft that complements its sharp tactile bump and thocky sound, enhancing the overall satisfaction of key presses, especially for those who appreciate auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance you seek between light, fluid motions versus a richer, more pronounced typing experience.
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