Gazzew U4T vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer a satisfying tactile feedback are the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The U4T switch is renowned for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing an auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch strikes a delicate balance by offering a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. It features ingenious stem railings with small cutouts that effectively minimize switch sound while delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. While the U4T is categorized as bassy, thocky, and sharp, the WS Silent Tactile is categorized as accented, invigorating, neutral, mild, and muted. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The U4T employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which offers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In comparison, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. While both materials produce similar sound profiles, the Gazzew blend may offer a slightly softer tone than the nylon.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the U4T utilizes the same proprietary plastic blend as its top housing, resulting in a consistent and rich sound profile throughout the switch. Similarly, the WS Silent Tactile incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which complements its top housing perfectly. The relatively softer plastic properties of nylon absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound upon bottom-out. In this aspect, the U4T's bottom housing may provide a similar effect to the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing, both contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Although the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile housing materials differ, their overall impact on the sound and feel of the switches is comparable. Both switches benefit from the softness of their respective top housings, resulting in a deep and rich sound profile when the key is released. Similarly, the bottom housings of each switch contribute to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottom-out, whether it is the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend or the WS Silent Tactile's nylon. Overall, the two switches provide similar acoustic experiences, highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
When considering weight, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch differ slightly. The U4T has an actuation force that is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the WS Silent Tactile's also unavailable actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the U4T requires 62 grams of force, which is considered medium, while the WS Silent Tactile requires 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier at a medium-heavy level.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the weight of a switch is important. The lighter weight allows for more extended typing sessions without causing excessive strain or fatigue. In this scenario, the unavailable actuation force of both switches would likely yield similar results, providing a comfortable and light keystroke.
On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, a heavier actuation force is preferred. While the actuation force of the U4T and WS Silent Tactile remains unknown, the bottom out force gives us a glimpse into their characteristics. The U4T, with a medium 62-gram bottom out force, offers a relatively balanced feel. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Tactile is slightly heavier with a 63.5-gram bottom out force, providing a touch of extra resistance, making it suitable for those who desire a more substantial typing experience.
Ultimately, the weight of a switch is a personal preference, with some opting for lighter switches for prolonged use during work or extended gaming sessions, while others favor heavier switches for a more satisfying and responsive typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4 mm travel distance of the U4T makes it more traditional compared to the 3.5 mm travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile. However, recent trends have shown a preference for shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. In this case, the WS Silent Tactile would be the preferred option for those seeking a more responsive feel. On the other hand, some individuals might find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and would prefer a switch with a longer travel distance. In such cases, the Gazzew U4T with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 Gazzew U4T switches are best known for their bassy thockiness. These switches provide a deep and rich sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound can be characterized by a lower frequency range, creating a satisfyingly deep "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have a more neutral sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the U4T offers a bassy and thocky experience, the WS Silent Tactile delivers a more muted sound that's suitable for office and work environments where noise reduction is important.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew U4T switches are described as having a sharp tactile feedback. These switches offer a high intensity of feedback, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each and every keypress. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are described as accented switches. These switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They offer a pronounced amount of tactility without being hypertactile or scratchy. The WS Silent Tactile switches also offer an invigorating typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force, providing a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, they have a mild characteristic that ensures a gentle typing experience approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4T switches excel in providing a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, paired with a bassy sound profile. They offer a deep and rich auditory and tactile satisfaction during each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches strike a delicate balance, offering a moderate level of tactility and an impressively silent profile. They provide a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, without compromising on noise reduction. While the U4T offers a more pronounced tactile experience and a thocky sound, the WS Silent Tactile delivers a more muted and accented tactile experience with a neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and the intended environment, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Whether you seek a more engaging and audibly satisfying experience or a tranquil and silent one, these switches offer options that are sure to meet your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gazzew U4T would be an excellent choice. It is known for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with every keystroke. The U4T offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch would be ideal. These switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, offering a medium level of tactile feedback without compromising on silence. The WS Silent Tactile switches have ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, minimizing switch sound while delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. They provide a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches, creating a unique blend of tranquility and tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel.
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