Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gazzew U4 stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Smoothie Silver, a linear switch, is renowned for its lightning-fast actuation thanks to its short travel distance. With a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, this switch is ideal for those who prioritize speed and agility in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch, offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump that enhances typing feedback. It also provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, creating a unique and satisfying typing experience. The U4's muted, low-pitched sound profile adds a touch of subtlety to its overall performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gazzew U4 both focus on delivering a rich and deep sound profile. The Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing that creates a unique and pleasing sound, with a deeper and relatively muted profile. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," provides a rich sound profile due to its softness. While both switches aim to offer a similar sound experience, the materials used in the housing contribute to slightly different sound characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Smoothie Silver and the Gazzew U4 continue to prioritize delivering a deep and pleasing sound profile. The Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of the top housing with its deep and muted sound profile. Similarly, the U4 incorporates its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also aims to provide a rich and deep sound due to its soft composition. Both switches maintain consistency in their sound profiles by utilizing similar materials for both the top and bottom housings.
While both switches focus on creating a rich and deep sound profile, the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings may differ. The bottom housing of a switch, influenced by the material it is made of, has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. In contrast, the top housing plays a more prominent role in determining the sound when a key is released. Whether it's the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver or the Gazzew blend housing of the U4, each material contributes to the overall sound experience of the switch in a unique way, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gazzew U4 switches both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience for users. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Smoothie Silver lacks a specified bottom out force, while the U4 has a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. The Smoothie Silver is lighter overall, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the U4 provides a heavier typing experience, giving users a more tactile feedback with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, but the differences in bottom out force may influence the decision between the two.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gazzew U4 tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular for their quick response times, particularly among gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing feel. If you prefer a faster and more responsive typing experience, the Smoothie Silver may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more depth and tactility in your keystrokes, you may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the U4 tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound that is well-loved by enthusiasts for its deep and satisfying tone. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is known for its smooth and feather-light touch, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a lighter actuation force. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch delivers a sharp and intense tactile bump that provides a distinct and satisfying feedback with each keypress. Whether you prefer a smoother linear switch or a tactile switch with a more pronounced bump, both the Smoothie Silver and the U4 offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch each offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feels that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Smoothie Silver is praised for its thocky sound and feather-light touch, the U4 stands out for its muted sound and sharp tactile bump. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing style and the overall keyboard setup you prefer. Whichever switch you choose, rest assured that you will receive a high-quality typing experience that can be further customized to suit your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize speed and a light touch with a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a sharp tactile bump and a whisper-quiet sound profile, the U4 could be the switch for you. Keep in mind the unique features of each switch and how they align with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preferences and what feels best for your typing experience.
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