HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that fits your typing style, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB can significantly influence your overall experience. The Silent Sakura switches are designed for those who prefer a whisper-quiet typing sound, with their ultra-light 43g bottom-out force making each keystroke feel effortless. This makes them an ideal option for light typists or anyone working in shared spaces where a tranquil environment is essential. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer a luxurious typing experience characterized by a satisfying tactile bump and a rich sound profile, delivering the deep "thock" of bottoming out while maintaining a quiet topping out. This switch caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each press, making it perfect for those who thrive on tactile engagement during extensive typing sessions. 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 U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.50 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, it is evident that both switches utilize different types of plastic for their top housing, yet aim to achieve a similar auditory experience. The Silent Sakura switch features a nylon top housing, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is due to nylon's relatively soft nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory output. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary plastic blend that includes elements of what is often informally called "boba plastic." This blend is also designed to deliver a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. Although the specific materials differ, both switches prioritize producing a warmer sound, indicating that users can expect a comparable auditory experience when typing.

In terms of bottom housing, the Silent Sakura - 43g uses polycarbonate, which is associated with a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, which enhances clarity and resonance, particularly noticeable in the bottom-out sound of the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an appealing choice for RGB lighting applications. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB incorporates the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, which maintains the rich sound profile characteristic of the top housing. This contrast highlights how the Silent Sakura's choice of polycarbonate may lead to a more pronounced and crisp auditory experience during the act of bottoming out a key, while the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing may create a more unified, softer sound profile throughout the keypress action.

Ultimately, the differences in housing materials of the Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB showcase distinct approaches to sound design in mechanical switches. While the top housings differ in their construction—nylon for the Silent Sakura and a proprietary blend for the U4Tx RGB—the goal of achieving a rich auditory experience remains consistent. Furthermore, the contrast in bottom housing materials presents a divergence in sound profiles; however, both switches are designed to balance the auditory qualities between the top and bottom, offering users various sound characteristics depending on their pressing actions. This intricate play between the materials allows enthusiasts to fine-tune their typing experience based on personal preferences for sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent Sakura boasts a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, which makes it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to activate keystrokes. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is much heavier at 65 grams, indicating a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Therefore, with a confirmed actuation force, the HMX Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is the heavier switch. Users looking for a lighter touch may lean towards the Silent Sakura, while those desiring a more resistant and tactile experience may opt for the U4Tx RGB.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional measurement and offers a deeper, more tactile experience that some users prefer for its satisfying feel. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times often sought after by gamers. This difference means that the Silent Sakura is better suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, while the U4Tx RGB caters to those who desire a more rapid actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for travel distance, with the Silent Sakura standing out as the longer option and the U4Tx RGB as the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Silent Sakura - 43g delivers an exceptionally quiet typing experience, with its gentle actuation reminiscent of raindrops softly falling on a window. This has been engineered to minimize auditory distractions, making it ideal for environments where silence is golden. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB produces a more defined sound signature, featuring a deep "thock" when bottomed out, which contrasts with its stealthy top-out. The U4Tx's sound profile combines richness and subtlety, providing a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud, making it suitable for both quiet and social settings. Both switches, while different in their sound profiles, can deliver pleasing auditory experiences based on the specific keyboard and keycap combinations used.

When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g stands out for its ultra-light actuation force of 43g, allowing for effortless keystrokes that cater to those who prefer a light touch while typing. This switch offers a smooth linear feel without any tactile feedback, which can enhance speedy typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB showcases a pronounced tactile bump, providing a luxurious typing experience that engages the typist's fingers with a noticeable feedback at the actuation point. This tactile sensation makes it more suited for those who appreciate clear indications of keystrokes, promoting accuracy and satisfying typing. While their feel differs quite notably, both switches can offer enjoyable typing experiences depending on personal preferences pertaining to either linear or tactile switch designs.

In summary, both the Silent Sakura - 43g and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches cater to different typists with their unique sound and feel profiles. The Silent Sakura is perfect for those who prioritize a silent and smooth typing experience, ideal for quiet workspaces or shared environments. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB provides a tactile sensation with a richer sound profile, making it appealing for those who appreciate auditory and physical feedback with every keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value a quiet, linear experience or the engaging tactility paired with a more resonant sound. Both types can deliver an enjoyable experience tailored to your specific typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find yourself typing in quiet environments—perhaps in an office or shared space—where noise could be a distraction, the Silent Sakura’s whisper-quiet mechanism and light actuation force of 43 grams make it ideal for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere while still providing a satisfying typing experience. This switch is particularly suited for light typists who prefer a smooth, linear feel without auditory interruption. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback and prefer a stronger, more deliberate typing experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB may be your best bet. With its medium-heavy 65-gram actuation force and a pronounced tactile bump, this switch offers that satisfying “thock” sound paired with a refined tactile feedback, perfect for those who appreciate a more tactile interaction and don’t mind slightly elevated noise levels during typing. Ultimately, consider your environment, typing habits, and personal sound preferences when deciding between these two compelling options.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more