Gateron Smoothie vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preferences concerning tactile feedback and actuation. The Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch, offers a uniquely smooth and creamy typing experience, characterized by its low-pitched thocky sound signature and lightweight touch. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate an unobtrusive keystroke, making it perfect for both gaming and typing without the distraction of tactile bumps. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB provides a delightful tactile experience with its pronounced bump and refined sound profile. The combination of a deep thock when bottoming out and a stealthy top-out noise caters to users who desire a more interactive typing feel and auditory feedback. While the Smoothie excels in smoothness and quietness, the U4Tx RGB stands out with its tactile engagement and luxurious feel. 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 Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polymers that contribute to their sound profiles, albeit in different formulations. The Gateron Smoothie features a POM top and bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound. This consistent POM material throughout the switch allows for a balanced auditory experience where both the top and bottom housings contribute equally to the overall sound. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs Gazzew's proprietary plastic blend, often dubbed "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housing. This blend is specifically designed to deliver a rich and deep sound profile, highlighting the effect of softer materials on auditory feedback.

While both switches aim for a deeper sound characteristic, the difference in housing materials means that their sound signatures diverge in subtle ways. The Smoothie’s POM materials may yield a more pronounced muted quality, while the U4Tx RGB can be expected to present a slightly richer tone due to the unique properties of the "boba plastic." Each housing type influences the sound profile differently—with the bottom housing contributing significantly to the bottom-out sound, whereas the top housing affects the sound during release. Thus, the interaction of the materials within each switch creates distinctive experiences even though they pursue a similar objective of achieving depth.

Ultimately, the outcome of using these materials reflects a choice between two philosophies of switch design. The Smoothie’s uniform use of POM allows for predictable and consistent sound characteristics, likely leading to a smoother typing experience that is soothing and less intrusive. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, with its tailored "boba plastic," could offer a more unique auditory experience, pooling together the rich sound properties from each housing due to its proprietary blend. Both switches demonstrate how specific material choices can lead to varied yet complementary results, shaping the user's experience in nuanced ways even when aiming for similar end goals.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch to the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for users who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. This suggests that the U4Tx RGB is heavier overall, likely offering a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger push feel. Since the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown, we can't directly compare their bottoming out characteristics. However, the Gateron Smoothie's lighter actuation force makes it the preferred choice for those seeking comfort during extended use, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer tactile response.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch is identical, with both switches featuring a distance of 3.6 mm from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, providing a consistent typing or gaming experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, enthusiasts looking for a balanced and uniform key response can enjoy comparable results regardless of their choice between these two options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Smoothie and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, the Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep, rich thud that provides satisfying auditory feedback when keys are pressed or released. This low-pitched sound is further accented by a subdued quality, making it less intrusive than higher-pitched switches while still delivering a pronounced acoustic experience that many typists enjoy. Conversely, the sound profile of the U4Tx RGB remains unspecified, leaving some uncertainty about its auditory characteristics. Overall, users might expect a different auditory experience with the U4Tx RGB, but the specifics require further exploration.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie is notable for its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations during typing. These descriptors indicate an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience, where users can glide their fingers effortlessly across the keys. The incorporation of POM material contributes to this seamless typing sensation, facilitating an almost frictionless interaction with each key press. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's tactile feel is not detailed, leaving an unknown factor in this comparison. While one can speculate that the U4Tx may offer a traditional tactile bump, the lack of specific descriptors means we can't definitively compare the tactile nuances with the Gateron Smoothie's fluid experience.

In summary, the Gateron Smoothie excels in both sound and feel with its thocky auditory profile and silky, buttery keystrokes, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB's sound and feel characteristics remain unspecified, creating a degree of mystery around its performance. Those who prioritize smoothness and a rich audio experience may lean toward the Smoothie, while others may need to seek out the U4Tx RGB for more information to determine its suitability for their typing preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you favor a lightweight touch and effortless keystrokes, the Smoothie will be your ideal choice, offering a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation that ensures each key press feels seamless. Its thocky and subdued sound profile provides a satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud, making it suitable for quiet workspaces or shared environments. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced typing feedback and a medium-heavy actuation force, the U4Tx RGB will better suit your needs. Its sharp tactile bump combined with a refined sound profile gives you a luxurious and engaging typing experience that rewards each keystroke. The deeper "thock" sound adds character to your typing, which might be appealing if you enjoy a more tactile and audible switch. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with the Smoothie or the tactile feedback and richer sound profile of the U4Tx RGB.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more