HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gazzew U4T present two distinct yet compelling options for different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura switches stand out with their whisper-quiet operation, making them ideal for light typists or anyone wishing to maintain a serene workspace; their ultra-light 43g bottom-out force ensures a gentle touch for a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switches offer a tactile sensation that combines a satisfying 'thock' sound with assertive feedback, catering to users who relish the auditory and tactile satisfaction of each keystroke. While the Silent Sakura excels in providing a tranquil typing environment, the U4T is designed for those who appreciate a more engaging typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$3.50 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gazzew U4T, both switches showcase a thoughtful combination of materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Silent Sakura utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer texture. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, as it effectively absorbs sound waves rather than allowing them to resonate sharply, thus producing a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the U4T employs a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This blend also emphasizes a rich, deep sound profile due to its inherent softness, aligning closely with the properties of nylon. While the materials may differ, the end result remains similar—both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience that highlights the softer aspects of their sound profiles.

The bottom housing of the Silent Sakura - 43g diverges from the top housing, constructed from polycarbonate, which is known for its rigidity. This material is responsible for creating a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, delivering a clearer and more resonant auditory feedback. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, as the material allows more light to pass through. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T also utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing. This choice results in a cohesively rich and deep sound profile; however, it may lack the crystalline clarity that polycarbonate is known for. Thus, while there is a stark difference in material choice for the bottom segments, the U4T's consistency in using a soft blend for both top and bottom creates a unified sound experience, albeit a different one than that of the Silent Sakura.

Ultimately, the impact of these material choices manifests in the overall performance of each switch when engaged. The variations in sound profiles between the two are influenced by their distinct housing materials; the Silent Sakura’s use of nylon and polycarbonate allows for a traditional typing sound that combines both depth and clarity. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T’s proprietary blend across both housings ensures a cohesive sound experience that prioritizes softness over sharpness. While the U4T may not provide the same level of clarity present in the Silent Sakura, it compensates by delivering a rich auditory profile throughout its operation, making both switches appealing alternatives depending on the user's preference for sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the U4T's bottom out force is significantly heavier at 65 grams, although its actuation force remains unspecified. This means that while the U4T provides a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, the lighter Silent Sakura may be more comfortable for longer use. Therefore, if you prioritize a softer keypress and a lower bottom out impact, the Silent Sakura would be the better choice, while the U4T could be favored by those who enjoy a firmer feedback.

Travel distance

The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressed, each switch travels the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience comparable results in key feel and actuation, regardless of the switch type. Thus, whether opting for the smooth action of the linear Silent Sakura or the tactile feedback provided by the U4T, both switches deliver a consistent and familiar experience with their equal travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Silent Sakura - 43g is renowned for its whisper-quiet operation, creating a typing experience that is akin to gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is desired. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T boasts a distinctly bassy and thocky profile, providing a rich acoustic feedback that enhances the typing experience. The deep "thud" sound generated by the U4T enhances the tactile satisfaction of each keystroke, making it particularly appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a lightweight experience characterized by its 43g bottom-out force, ideal for those who prefer a subtle touch and a softer typing feel. The lack of tactile bumps ensures that typing is smooth and fluid, which is especially beneficial for light typists. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T features a sharp tactile bump that provides high feedback intensity with each keypress. The prominent tactile feedback makes it a favorite for users who enjoy a distinct and assertive response, allowing them to feel precisely when each key registers.

Overall, both the Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gazzew U4T cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet and smooth typing experience, making it ideal for peaceful settings, while the Gazzew U4T emphasizes a rich auditory feedback and strong tactile sensation, appealing to those who relish engaging with their keyboard. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prefer a serene typing atmosphere or a more pronounced tactile interaction with satisfying sound.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you value a quiet and gentle typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is the ideal choice for you. Its ultra-light actuation force of 43 grams ensures that your fingers can glide effortlessly across the keys, making it an excellent option for light typists who prefer a serene environment, perhaps for office work or late-night gaming when minimizing noise is paramount. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and satisfying typing experience, the Gazzew U4T switch may be the better fit. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams and a pronounced tactile bump, the U4T provides a rich, bassy "thock" sound that enhances the pleasure of each keystroke, making it an appealing choice for heavy typists and gamers who appreciate feedback and auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is perfectly tailored to your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more