Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gazzew U4 are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Silent Ink Black is a linear switch, known for its quiet operation and smooth keystrokes. It offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel without much audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump when typing. It also offers a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and a sound profile that is whisper quiet. While these general descriptions can help you in making an initial choice, it is important to dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gazzew U4 switches have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Users often describe it as clacky, offering a satisfying and thin sound. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing is made of a plastic blend referred to as "boba plastic." This material delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both have distinct characteristics, they both provide an enjoyable typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Silent Ink Black and the Gazzew U4 switches again differ in the qualities they bring to the typing experience. The INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black maintains the switch's pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This characteristic has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew blend bottom housing, also made of "boba plastic," contributes to a soft and cushioned bottom-out sound. This material's softness provides a comfortable typing feel that some users might prefer.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Silent Ink Black and the Gazzew U4 switches have distinct characteristics, they both play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, shaping the bottom-out sound and feel. On the flip side, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, leaving a lasting impression. While their materials may differ, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the U4 has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gazzew U4 would be the preferred choice as its actuation force is lower. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is ideal for tasks like work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience would lean towards the Gateron Silent Ink Black. With its higher actuation force, it provides a more pronounced and tactile response while typing.
Both switches offer a medium level of bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying keystroke experience without excessive force required to fully depress the keys. Therefore, regardless of the chosen switch, users can expect similar results when it comes to bottoming out.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black is heavier with a higher actuation force and bottom out force, the Gazzew U4 offers a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force. The decision between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with some favoring lighter switches for extended use, while others seek a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, one can see that the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4 mm is considered the norm, while 3.6 mm falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. However, with the rise of gaming and the need for faster response times, shorter travel distances have become more popular. Gamers tend to favor switches with shorter travel distances as they offer quicker response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too sudden or abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the switch with the longer travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
The Gazzew U4 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black and Gazzew U4 switches are both considered to be muted in terms of sound. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, the U4 switches have an additional quality of being low-pitched. This produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched sound of the Silent Ink Black switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black switches are described as silky and polished. This means that they offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of these switches enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, resulting in a sleek and refined experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches are described as sharp. This indicates that they have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The U4 switches provide a sharp and exhilarating tactile feedback along with a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation.
Overall, while both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Gazzew U4 switches are considered muted in terms of sound, they offer different qualities in terms of feel. The Silent Ink Black switches provide a silky and polished typing experience with a plush bottom-out feeling, while the U4 switches offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump along with a plush bottom-out sensation. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the smoothness and refined feel of the Silent Ink Black switches, while another may enjoy the intense and distinct tactile feedback of the U4 switches. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a cushioned typing experience suitable for quieter environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that provides a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel and minimal audio feedback. This switch is perfect for environments that require quieter typing, as it produces a muted sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black provides a silky and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium feel and an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4 provides a muted sound profile, similar to the Silent Ink Black, but with the added benefit of a low-pitched tone that brings a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. The sharp tactile bump of the U4 switch ensures a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each and every keypress.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch depends on your preferences. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience and a smooth, polished feel, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a low-pitched sound profile, the U4 has got you covered. Both switches offer their own unique features, allowing you to tailor your typing experience to your liking. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Mentioned in this article
