Huano Sakura vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Sakura switch stands out with its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent option for users who favor smooth, linear switches and engage in extended typing sessions. Its gentle resistance can lead to a more comfortable experience during long hours of use. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a tactile experience with its pronounced bump and refined sound profile, delivering a satisfying "thock" when bottoming out while maintaining a quieter top-out sound. This makes the U4Tx ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction in their keystrokes. While both switches cater to different preferences—efficiency and comfort with the Sakura versus tactile gratification with the U4Tx—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Sakura Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, a notable distinction arises in the composition of their top housings. The Sakura utilizes POK, or polyketone, which is recognized for its durability and remarkably low coefficient of friction, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. With its shock resistance outpacing that of Nylon and POM, the POK material contributes to a more rigid structure that complements a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features a proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to in the community as "boba plastic." This material is softer, promoting a deeper and richer sound due to its unique acoustic properties. While the Sakura aims for enhanced smoothness and durability, the Gazzew prioritizes a warm and resonant auditory experience, showcasing how different material characteristics affect the tactile performance of each switch.

Examining the bottom housings reveals an interesting similarity between the two switches. The Huano Sakura employs nylon, a time-tested material known for its acoustic absorption properties, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This is paralleled in the U4Tx RGB's proprietary bottom housing, also made from the "boba plastic" blend. It too is designed to produce a rich and deep sound, which suggests that despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a common goal in achieving a pleasing auditory experience through their choice of bottom material. Thus, while the top housings cater to different tactile sensations, the bottom housings ensure that both switches offer a similarly rich acoustic performance.

Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in both the Huano Sakura and Gazzew U4Tx RGB underscores the significance of materials in defining both feel and sound. Each switch's top housing enhances different aspects of switch performance—the POK's durability and smoothness versus the Gazzew blend's auditory richness—while their bottom housings create a shared acoustic foundation. Consequently, users seeking a switch with desirable sound can find satisfaction in either option, as the materials utilized in the bottom housing play a critical role in delivering a deep, rounded sound profile. In this way, although the top and bottom materials differ, their combined effects yield switches that can resonate similarly in terms of auditory output.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch with the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter switch that allows for longer typing sessions or extensive gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. This heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial tactile experience, favoring users who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. As a result, the Sakura is the lighter option, while the U4Tx RGB is the heavier switch, appealing to different preferences in typing style. While the actuation force of the U4Tx RGB is unknown, its heavier bottom out force indicates a more demanding keystroke experience compared to the relatively lighter Sakura switch.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch boast a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom, ultimately providing similar tactile feedback and actuation feel during usage. Since both switches have matched travel distances, they can deliver comparable performance for typists and gamers alike, allowing users to switch between them without adjusting to different keypress experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch features medium acoustics, striking a balance that keeps it pleasant yet unobtrusive during extended typing sessions. This makes it versatile for various environments, as it won't be too loud to disturb others but still provides a satisfying auditory feedback when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch delivers a more distinctive auditory experience characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a quieter sound upon topping out. This refined sound profile gives the U4Tx a luxurious quality that many users find appealing, particularly in quieter settings where acoustic nuances can be appreciated. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound experience will also depend on your keyboard's construction, the material of the keycaps, and other factors.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience that makes it ideal for prolonged use without fatigue. Its linear nature means there is no tactile bump, allowing for a consistent keypress from top to bottom. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch presents a sharp tactile bump, adding a distinctive feedback that many typists appreciate. The tactile feedback not only enhances the typing experience but also aids in ensuring that users know when a key has been actuated, which can result in improved typing efficiency. The U4Tx's refined feel, combined with its deeper sound profile, might appeal more to users looking for a luxurious tactile experience.

In summary, the Huano Sakura switch offers a feather-light typing experience with medium acoustics, making it great for long typing sessions without being overly distracting. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB provides a luxurious touch with its sharp tactile bump and the pronounced "thock" sound profile, catering to those who enjoy tactile feedback and specific auditory characteristics. Both switches have their unique strengths, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference regarding sound and feel. Whether you prefer the light and seamless action of the Sakura or the refined tactile experience of the U4Tx, you can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either option.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch should hinge on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you tend to favor light key presses and are looking for a switch that allows for prolonged typing without fatigue, the Sakura's feather-light touch and medium acoustics make it a fantastic option. This switch is especially suitable for those who prioritize speed and efficiency, such as programmers or gamers who benefit from quick actuation without the added weight. Conversely, if you appreciate a more tactile feedback with a satisfying "thock" sound and are willing to exert a bit more force with a bottom out of 65 grams, the U4Tx RGB is your go-to choice. The refined sound profile and sharp tactile bump elevate the typing experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy the nuances of each key press, whether for typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the balance you seek between weight, sound, and tactile sensation, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your specific needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more