Gateron Smoothie vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie and the Gazzew U4T. The Smoothie is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth keystrokes, thocky sound signature, and lightweight touch. On the other hand, the U4T is a tactile switch that combines a bassy 'thock' sound profile with sharp tactility for a satisfying typing experience. While the Gateron Smoothie offers a creamy and subdued typing experience, the Gazzew U4Ts provide a more assertive tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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 U4T Tactile

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the Gazzew U4T both offer unique sound profiles that are deep and pleasing to the ear. The POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a relatively muted sound compared to the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, which is known for its rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This indicates that the Gazzew U4T may have a slightly more pronounced sound compared to the Smoothie when typing or gaming.

While both switches have similar qualities in their top housing materials, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie and the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T also contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. Both bottom housings create a deep and unique sound, with the Gazzew blend bottom housing potentially offering a slightly softer sound due to its proprietary plastic blend. This difference in bottom housing materials may result in a subtle variation in sound and feel when typing on switches with different bottom housings.

In terms of pressing down on the switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie and the Gazzew U4T may come down to personal preference in terms of how the housing materials contribute to the overall sound and tactile feedback of the switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique and pleasing sound profiles that may appeal to different types of typists or gamers.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while its bottom out force is unknown. On the other hand, the U4T has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This means that the Smoothie would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the U4T would appeal to those who enjoy a more firm typing feel. Both switches have their strengths depending on personal preference, but ultimately the Smoothie is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the heavier U4T.

Travel distance

The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Smoothie offers a slightly shallower key press compared to the U4T, which may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the U4T provides a bit more depth to the key press, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel to their keystrokes. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Smoothie being on the shorter side and the U4T on the longer side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky and low-pitched profile with a subdued sound that provides a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T presents a bassy and thocky sound with a rich and deep tone that enhances each keystroke with a tactile satisfaction. Both switches excel in providing a pleasing sound profile, with the Smoothie offering a more subdued tone compared to the U4T's bass-heavy sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for typing or gaming experience.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Smoothie is renowned for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience that delivers a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T is characterized by its sharp tactile feedback, providing a distinct and intense tactile bump with each keypress. The Smoothie offers a seamless and effortless typing feel, while the U4T delivers a more pronounced and crisp tactile response. Depending on whether a user prefers a smoother and uniform typing experience or a sharper tactile feedback, the choice between the two switches will vary to cater to individual preferences.

In conclusion, the Gateron Smoothie and Gazzew U4T switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie provides a thocky and subdued sound with a buttery and creamy typing experience, while the U4T offers a bassy and sharp tactile profile for a more intense auditory and tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Smoothie for a smoother and softer typing experience or the U4T for a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback. Both switches promise a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that users will be satisfied with their choice based on their specific preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Smoothie linear switch or the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lightweight touch, smooth keystrokes, and a thocky sound profile, then the Gateron Smoothie may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, sharp tactile feedback, and a bassy thock sound, then the Gazzew U4T could be more suitable. Both switches have their unique characteristics and strengths, so it's important to think about what aspects of typing experience are most important to you before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie and Gazzew U4T switches will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more