Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can make a significant difference in the typing experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and a thocky sound profile that combines performance with an enticing audio feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a fluid typing experience without the distraction of tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a unique tactile experience that combines satisfying feedback with a refined and muted sound profile, catering to users who enjoy both tactile sensations and a quieter environment. Both switches present compelling reasons for selection: the Sea Salt Smoothie for its silky feel and engaging acoustics, while the U4Tx provides a plush tactile bump and a deeper sound. 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gazzew U4Tx both utilize distinct housing materials that significantly impact their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. This construction ensures that the keypresses deliver a unique auditory experience, characterized by a pleasant resonance that is well-regarded among keyboard enthusiasts. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx features a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic," which is designed to enhance the sound profile through its softer composition. This material choice results in a richer and deeper tone as well, albeit with a slightly different texture and feedback compared to the POM material used in the Sea Salt Smoothie.
When analyzing the bottom housings, both switches share similar auditory qualities, though through different materials. The POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie is crafted to contribute its unique sound signature, complementing the deeper tonal characteristics initiated at the top. Conversely, the U4Tx's boba plastic bottom housing brings out its own rich sound, creating a similarly muted yet deep auditory experience. Both switches exhibit a phenomenon in which the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that whoever uses these switches will notice distinct sound profiles, despite the varying material science employed. This similarity in results highlights how both switch designs effectively create pleasing sound signatures through different approaches to material choice.
While they both aim to provide a rich auditory experience, the differences in materials between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gazzew U4Tx foster unique sensations for users. The POM material of the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes muted characteristics and a specific kind of acoustic depth, while the Gazzew's blend offers a softness that may elicit slightly more variation in feedback during key release. Ultimately, regardless of the differences in material compositions for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a satisfying and rich sound experience from both switches. Those interested in tactile feel and sound might gravitate toward one or the other based on personal preferences, yet will find both options capable of delivering an enriching keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie features an actuation force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option, which is ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience during prolonged use. However, the bottom out force for this switch remains unknown, leaving uncertainty about how it feels when fully pressed down. In contrast, the U4Tx has an unspecified actuation force but a concrete bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a medium resistance when the key is fully engaged. This heavier bottom out force contributes to a more tactile and substantial typing experience, appealing to those who favor a stronger push feel. Therefore, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter switch, whereas the U4Tx is the heavier option, with each catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the U4Tx comes in slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie, you'll experience a more pronounced actuation depth, which some users might find more satisfying if they enjoy that hearty feel in their keystrokes. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the U4Tx could appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Overall, while both switches offer slightly different experiences, choosing the Sea Salt Smoothie would provide a bit more depth compared to the U4Tx.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
The Gazzew U4Tx 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie leverages its thocky sound profile to offer a bassy and satisfying auditory experience, especially when bottoming out. This depth creates an overall rich sound that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx presents a more nuanced approach with its refined sound profile. The U4Tx combines the deep resonance of bassy tones during bottoming out with a whisper-quiet characteristic at the top of the keystroke, resulting in a sound that is not only deep but also muted, providing a less intrusive auditory experience that some users may prefer. Sound quality, however, can vary greatly depending on keycap and keyboard materials, so users may need to experiment to find their ideal sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is noted for its exceptional smoothness throughout the keystroke, providing a pleasant typing experience that is subtle and understated but does not fully elaborate on the tactility it offers. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx features a sharp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress. This strong feedback intensity ensures that users can easily notice their inputs without bottoming out too aggressively, creating a luxurious typing experience that particularly appeals to those who enjoy tactile feedback.
In summary, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gazzew U4Tx switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky and smooth typing experience that leans towards richness in sound, while the U4Tx provides distinct tactile feedback coupled with a refined acoustic profile that balances depth and quietness. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preferences for sound characteristics and tactile sensations, and each switch presents unique qualities that can enhance one's typing experience in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience with a less pronounced tactile feedback, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. It will deliver a satisfying thocky sound profile while ensuring that each keypress feels remarkably fluid, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who prefer linear switches without distraction. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile satisfaction of a pronounced bump with every keypress, the U4Tx is likely the better fit for you. Its sharp tactile feedback combined with a refined sound profile offers an engaging typing experience that blends comfort and acoustics beautifully. In essence, consider the Sea Salt Smoothie for a smooth and quiet gameplay or typing session, whereas the U4Tx will cater to your need for tactile feedback and deeper sound. By aligning your choice with your typing habits and sound preferences, you’ll be able to enhance your keyboard experience significantly.
Mentioned in this article
