Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gazzew U4T offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast actuation due to its short travel distance. It provides a thocky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a feather-light touch, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is a tactile switch that combines thockiness with sharp tactility, offering a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback with each key press. This makes it perfect for those who seek both auditory and tactile satisfaction while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gazzew U4T both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Smoothie Silver utilizes POM material for both the top and bottom housing, creating a pleasing and deep sound profile that is relatively muted. On the other hand, the U4T uses a proprietary Gazzew blend for both top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," to deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both switches offer a deep sound profile, the Smoothie Silver may provide a slightly more muted tone compared to the U4T.

However, the differences between the top and bottom housing materials can also affect the overall sound and feel of the switch. In the case of the Smoothie Silver, the POM material in both housing components contributes to a consistent deep and muted sound profile throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the U4T's split housing materials may result in varying sound profiles during key presses - with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This difference in the housing materials may offer a more dynamic typing experience with the U4T compared to the Smoothie Silver.

Overall, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gazzew U4T showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience. Despite any differences between the two switches in terms of housing materials, both offer a pleasing and deep sound profile that adds to the overall tactile feedback of the switches. Whether you prefer the consistent sound profile of the Smoothie Silver or the dynamic typing experience of the U4T, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force at 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. In contrast, the U4T has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. While the actuation force of the U4T is unknown, it is likely to be higher than 45 grams given its heavier bottom out force. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Smoothie Silver offering a lighter touch for extended typing sessions and the U4T providing a more robust feel for those who prefer a firmer keystroke. Both switches cater to different needs, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their typing style and preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the U4T's longer travel distance may provide a more gradual and deeper keystroke feel. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile which provides a deep and satisfying tone during key presses, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy thock sound combined with an assertive tactile feedback. The Smoothie Silver switch features unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, making it ideal for fast and precise typing. On the other hand, the U4T switch offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with each keystroke.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Smoothie Silver is known for its smooth linear action, offering a consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch provides a sharp tactile bump that is strong and crisp, delivering high feedback intensity with each keypress. This tactile feedback adds a level of satisfaction and precision to typing, allowing for a more engaging and responsive typing experience compared to the linear Smoothie Silver switch.

Overall, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie Silver provides a smooth and light linear feel with a thocky sound profile, while the U4T offers a tactile typing experience with a bassy thock sound and assertive tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility with an assertive tactile feedback and bassy sound profile, the U4T could be more suited to your typing style. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully, and you'll be able to make a decision that enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more