Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer distinct experiences for different types of users. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium-weight all-POM construction, providing a smooth and satisfying keystroke accompanied by a thocky sound profile. This linear switch is perfect for those who prioritize fluidity in their typing, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists seeking speed and precision without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is a tactile switch that stands out for its unique blend of auditory and tactile feedback. With a deep "thock" upon bottoming out and a discreet topping out noise, this switch delivers a luxurious typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming. While the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in smoothness and speed, the U4Tx RGB caters to those who appreciate tactile sensations and a refined sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a noteworthy distinction is found in the types of plastics used. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top and bottom housing, known for their excellent acoustic properties that create a deep and relatively muted sound profile. This material delivers not only a pleasing auditory experience but also dampens vibrations effectively, resulting in a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes Gazzew's proprietary blend, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic," that also emphasizes a rich and deep sound profile but with a different tactile sensation, making it notable for its softness and flexibility.

While both switch types aim for similar acoustic outcomes, their differing material compositions influence their overall performance in unique ways. The POM housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a consistent sound profile throughout, resonating deeply in both the bottoming out and release phases. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB’s combination of its proprietary blend for both the top and bottom housings allows for more nuanced dynamics. The softness of the "boba plastic" enhances the sound and feel when the key is pressed and released, giving a slightly different tactile feedback that may be preferred by users seeking a softer keypress experience.

Ultimately, while both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch housings work to achieve deep sound profiles, they do so through different materials that can affect user perception during typing. If users enjoy the deep sound of the Sea Salt Smoothie, they are likely to find a comparable auditory experience with the U4Tx RGB due to its design intent, albeit with variations in feel due to the materials employed. Hence, the characteristics of the top and bottom housings play crucial roles in the overall typing experience of both switch types, with each material contributing distinct attributes that can cater to different preferences among typists.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we observe a distinct difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a known actuation force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option that is generally more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, making it difficult to evaluate how it feels when fully depressed. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has an unspecified actuation force, but its bottom out force of 65 grams classifies it as medium-heavy, offering a more substantial typing experience. This heavier feel can be preferable for users who enjoy a firmer key press. Therefore, based on the available data, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter switch, the U4Tx RGB provides a stronger tactile response at the bottom out stage, indicating different tactile experiences aligned with user preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch exhibit distinct travel distances that cater to different user preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the U4Tx RGB features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for those who prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the U4Tx RGB would be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance, offering quicker actuation. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is the superior option, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those seeking the comfort of a more pronounced keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is characterized by its thocky sound profile, which tends to produce a satisfying and muted thud when key presses bottom out, allowing for a pleasurable acoustic experience during use. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch offers a refined sound profile that also incorporates the deep "thock" sound when bottoming out, combined with the quieter sound upon topping out thanks to the U4T design. While they both provide a pleasing auditory experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a more straightforward thocky sound, whereas the U4Tx RGB incorporates a slight variation due to its dual characteristics of deep sound and quiet topping out.

In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is notable for its exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback delays, typical of linear switches. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB switch offers a sharp tactile bump, which provides additional feedback during key presses, enhancing typing accuracy and satisfaction for users who appreciate a tactile experience. While both switches offer quality feels, the key difference lies in the tactile bump of the U4Tx RGB, compared to the smooth, linear experience of the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Overall, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to enthusiasts seeking a smooth yet thocky sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy linear switches. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's blend of deep thockiness and tactile feedback offers a luxurious typing experience for individuals wanting both auditory and haptic pleasure. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel or a tactile response in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you’re seeking from your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a soft thocky sound that minimizes tactile feedback, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the ideal pick for you. It excels in providing a fluid keypress that is perfect for gaming or when you are typing long documents, allowing for rapid keystrokes without any bumps. On the other hand, if you appreciate clear tactile feedback and enjoy the deep thock of a pronounced bump when you bottom out, the U4Tx RGB would be more suited to your taste. Its heavier actuation force and refined sound profile enhance the typing experience, making it gratifying for both typing and gaming, particularly if you appreciate richer actuation cues. In essence, if you seek smoothness and minimal feedback, opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie; if you value tactile sensation and a more classic typing experience, the U4Tx RGB is your go-to.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more