Huano Sakura vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Sakura and the Gazzew U4Tx presents a fascinating contrast that caters to different typing preferences. The Huano Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its feather-light actuation and medium acoustics, making it an excellent option for those who engage in extended typing sessions without fatigue. The smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes provide a seamless experience that is often preferred by gamers and typists alike who value a fluid typing action. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is a tactile switch that brilliantly combines both a refined auditory experience and a satisfying tactile feedback. With its deep, resonant "thock" upon bottoming out and a whisper-quiet response on the upstroke, the U4Tx enhances the typing experience with its luxurious acoustics and sharp tactile bump, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced feel while typing. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Sakura for its lightweight and smooth operation, and the U4Tx for its rich sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Gazzew U4Tx, it's evident that both switches utilize advanced materials designed to enhance the typing experience, but they adopt different approaches. The Sakura's top housing is made from POK material, which boasts a coefficient of friction of 0.04 and is noted for its exceptional durability and strength. With wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM and shock resistance greater than Nylon, the POK material contributes to a smooth, clacky typing experience. In contrast, the U4Tx uses a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which is designed to create a rich sound profile due to its softness. While the POK material emphasizes durability and smoothness, the Gazzew blend is more focused on providing a distinct acoustic character.
For the bottom housing, both switches employ material that reflects a similar philosophy. The Huano Sakura features nylon, a traditional choice known for its ability to absorb sound and deliver a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The Gazzew U4Tx, on the other hand, attributes its warm sound profile to the same proprietary "boba plastic" used in the top housing. This similarity in softness allows both switches to achieve a rich and deep sound profile, indicating that while the top housings differ in material (emphasizing either smoothness or sound depth), the bottom housings align closely in their acoustic performance.
Ultimately, even though the Huano Sakura and the Gazzew U4Tx utilize different materials for their top housings, the combined effects of their respective constructions allow for a comparable typing experience. The distinctive qualities from the top and bottom housings work together to yield a sound profile and tactile feedback that can feel harmoniously unified. The Sakura's POK top provides a smooth action, while the combination of nylon and POK balances out well with the U4Tx's "boba plastic" top and bottom. This interaction means that users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, despite the differences in material composition.
Weight
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, influencing user experience. The Sakura switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where minimal resistance can reduce fatigue. In contrast, the U4Tx's actuation force remains unspecified, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer resistance when pressing down on keys. Since the actuation force of the U4Tx is unknown, it complicates direct comparison but confirms that the Sakura is the lighter option overall. Those who appreciate a lighter switch for comfort might lean towards the Sakura, while users seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback and a heavier feel may favor the U4Tx despite its unspecified actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, you will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar feel and response when typing or gaming. Since both switches share this travel distance, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of key actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx 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 Huano Sakura linear switch provides a medium acoustic profile, which makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without being overwhelmingly loud. This makes it a great choice for users who may prefer a balanced auditory experience that allows for focus over extended periods. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch produces a more complex sound signature; the base note is characterized by a deep "thock" on bottoming out that lends a feeling of solidity, while the topping out is notably whisper-quiet, creating a nuanced auditory experience. The U4Tx's sound quality can be described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer tone, while its muted characteristic reduces the typical clackiness of mechanical keyboards, making it an appealing option for those seeking a quieter yet satisfying sound.
In terms of tactile feel, the Huano Sakura switch delivers a feather-light touch that promotes comfortable, continuous typing without fatigue. However, it lacks the pronounced tactile feedback that some users might prefer. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx excels in providing a sharp tactile experience. The prominent tactile bump is distinctly felt with each keypress, translating to a more engaging typing experience that many users find luxurious. This difference makes the U4Tx more suitable for those who enjoy tactile feedback, whereas the Sakura might appeal more to users who prioritize a lighter key press without the additional tactile resistance.
In summary, the Huano Sakura linear switch is designed for a comfortable, medium-sound experience, suitable for long typing sessions, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a richer, bassy sound profile combined with sharp tactile feedback for a more luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter key press and medium acoustics or a more tactile and acoustically refined experience. Each switch has its distinct characteristics, making them suited to different typing preferences and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, your choice should align with your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a light touch and extended typing comfort, the Sakura's 45-gram bottom out force makes it an excellent option for long hours of typing, where you want minimal resistance and medium acoustics that won’t become overly fatiguing. Its sound profile leans toward a more neutral tone, making it relatively easy on the ears during extensive use. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience that couples auditory pleasure with typing feedback, the Gazzew U4Tx is ideal for you. Its 62.5-gram bottom out force offers a satisfying resistance, while its sharp tactile bump and rich, bassy sound provide a luxurious typing experience that many users find gratifying. The muted qualities of the U4Tx also make it suitable for quieter environments where the sound of your keystrokes might be a consideration. In summary, choose the Sakura for a feather-light, linear feel with moderate sound, perfect for typing marathons, and opt for the U4Tx when you desire tactile feedback combined with a refined, deep sound profile that enhances your overall typing experience.
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