Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to the tactile and auditory experience that each switch offers. The Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are an excellent choice for those who work in quieter environments or prefer a subtle typing experience, featuring a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. These linear switches are perfect for users seeking a smooth keystroke without the distraction of clicking sounds, promoting concentration during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches deliver a satisfying tactile bump combined with the rich "thock" sound characteristic of higher-quality switches. Designed for users who enjoy feedback in their typing experience, the U4Tx offers a refined sound profile that appeals to those who appreciate both performance and auditory pleasure. While the Silent Ink Black excels in providing a muted, polished feel for discreet typing, the U4Tx RGB stands out for its luxurious tactile feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your unique needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches showcase distinct characteristics that influence their respective sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a pointed and high-pitched sound that many describe as clacky. This sound profile can evoke a satisfying auditory feedback during typing, which can enhance the overall typing experience for users who prefer a more traditional mechanical feel. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features a "boba plastic" blend that is engineered to deliver a rich and deep sound. This softness in the material allows for a more subdued auditory feedback compared to the sharper tones of the Silent Ink Black, thereby catering to users who may prefer a quieter typing experience.

When considering the impact of these housing materials on performance, the contrasting acoustic properties become even more evident. The Silent Ink Black's top housing contributes to the clacking sound when releasing the key, highlighting its higher-pitched characteristics. Meanwhile, the bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black retains a similar pointed quality, emphasizing a cohesive sound profile across both stages of key actuation. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB's softer bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, fostering a deeper acoustic experience when the key is pressed down. This divergence in sound profiles between the two switches not only signifies their unique auditory signatures but also suggests that user preferences may vary significantly based on the desired noise level during typing.

Ultimately, while the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB are fundamentally different, users seeking similar experiences can compensate through their switch selection and typing style. Those who appreciate the clacky sound signature of the Silent Ink Black may find that the audible feedback closely mirrors their intentions, while those leaning towards the boba plastic of the U4Tx RGB can achieve a richer, deeper auditory satisfaction. As the characteristics of both switches split between their top and bottom housings, understanding the role of each material allows users to personalize their typing experiences—culminating in either a sharp or a plush auditory and tactile result depending on their choice in housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent Ink Black features an actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a moderate amount of force to register a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 70 grams, indicating that it provides a substantial push before bottoming out. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that while we know the Gateron switch feels a bit heavier both in actuation and bottoming out, the Gazzew switch's actuation force remains unknown. As a result, users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Silent Ink Black more agreeable, whereas those who enjoy a heftier feel might lean towards the heavier bottom out characteristic of both switches. Ultimately, for typing comfort, the Silent Ink Black tends to cater to those favoring longer sessions due to its lighter actuation force, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB could appeal to those looking for a more tactile experience without clear actuation weight details.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Silent Ink Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional range that many users prefer for a satisfying, deep keystroke. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers who often favor quicker response times. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that provides a more pronounced depth and tactile feedback while typing, the Silent Ink Black is the better choice. Conversely, if you prioritize responsiveness and quick actuation, the U4Tx RGB would be more suitable due to its shorter distance. Overall, this comparison highlights the trade-offs between a more traditional keystroke feel and a streamlined gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is renowned for its muted audio profile, making it an excellent choice for environments that require quieter typing. The silenced design minimizes the usual clatter associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a softer and less intrusive auditory experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch features a deeper “thock” when bottoming out, combined with a quieter topping out sound, delivering a refined sound profile that balances a satisfying acoustic signature with a level of stealth. While both switches are designed for different sound experiences, the Silent Ink Black focuses on reducing sound overall, while the U4Tx RGB strikes a balance between a pronounced thock and subdued topping sounds.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Silent Ink Black truly excels with its silky and polished typing sensation. Users will appreciate the smooth and refined action, resulting in minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This enhanced smoothness is likely a product of quality materials and effective lubrication. In contrast, the feel of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is less explicitly defined in the provided information, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, the tactile bump characteristic of the U4Tx RGB is designed to offer a luxurious typing experience, suggesting a responsive and engaging feel through the tactile feedback it provides.

In summary, when evaluating the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, both offer unique auditory and tactile characteristics catering to different preferences. The Silent Ink Black is perfect for those seeking a quieter, silky-smooth typing experience, while the U4Tx RGB seems to offer a more pronounced acoustic presence along with tactile feedback, elevating the typing experience. Although the tactile response quality of the U4Tx RGB was not detailed, it is worth noting that users may still enjoy comfortable and satisfying typing with each switch, depending on their individual preferences and typing environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself in a quiet workspace where minimal noise is paramount, the Silent Ink Black is an excellent choice. Its muted sound profile and silky smooth feel make it ideal for situations where you want to enjoy a cushy, low-audio typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound profile, the U4Tx RGB is designed for you. Its refined "thock" sound upon bottoming out and noticeable tactile bump ensure a luxurious typing experience that can make typing feel more engaging and responsive. Therefore, consider your priorities: prioritize silence and smoothness with the Silent Ink Black, or embrace a richer feel and sound with the U4Tx RGB. Each switch offers unique advantages, so choose the one that best aligns with your needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more