Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Bamboo Green is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, making it a great choice for those who prefer a tactile switch. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear offers an innovative design with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel provides a pleasant typing experience. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer distinct differences in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, providing a neutral sound profile with neither a crisp nor a dull sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Bamboo Green and the Semi-Silent Linear also showcase differences in their housing materials. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for its bottom housing, offering a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Semi-Silent Linear incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
In terms of overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials in the top and bottom housings plays a role in the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear contributes to a duller and rounder sound when keys are pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when keys are released. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear would result in a sharper and crisper sound when keys are let go.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ in their housing materials. While the Bamboo Green features PBT for both top and bottom housing, providing a neutral sound profile, the Semi-Silent Linear makes use of polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear contributes to a fuller sound profile compared to the Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing. However, it is worth noting that both switches provide similar results in terms of a neutral sound profile for their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is the amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to fully press down.
In terms of weight, the Bamboo Green switch is lighter with a lower actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This can be beneficial for people who need to type for extended periods, such as when using a keyboard at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone prefers a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, they may opt for switches with heavier actuation forces. Unfortunately, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is not provided, so it is unclear whether it falls into the lighter or heavier category.
In summary, while both switches have the same bottom out force of 62 grams, the actuation force of the Everglide Bamboo Green is known to be lighter at 43 grams, while the actuation force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable. Therefore, if one is seeking a lighter typing experience, the Bamboo Green switch may be the preferred choice, but for those who desire a heavier push feel, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch remains unknown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Bamboo Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Bamboo Green's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes and increased responsiveness. However, it is important to note that the perception of these travel distances ultimately depends on personal preference. Some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, while others prefer the added depth provided by longer travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is best described as high-pitched and resonant. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, with a clean and sharp sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a more subdued sound. While not completely silent, it offers a dampened sound when pressed, making it more subtle compared to most switches. Additionally, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and preferences. It is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, and sharp. Stepped switches offer a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Accented switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. And sharp tactile switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished in terms of feel. Mild switches offer a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. Snappy switches are super responsive, making the typing experience feel more alive. Butter smooth switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, while polished switches result in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is characterized by a clacky sound signature, sharp tactility, and various tactile qualities. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch stands out for its semi-silent topping-out sound, clacky bottom-out sound, silk-smooth type feel, and safe middle-ground qualities. While the Bamboo Green switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound with stepped, accented, and sharp tactile feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a subdued sound with a mild, snappy, and buttery typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and requirements, both switches offer unique qualities that can be suitable for different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Bamboo Green is a great choice. When typing on these switches, you'll experience a clacky sound signature along with a crisp and sparkling tactility. The Bamboo Green is also characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, giving you a sharp and immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, these switches are described as stepped, accented, and sharp, meaning you'll feel a mild tactile bump with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with the same medium bottom out force, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is worth considering. This switch stands out for its innovative semi-silent design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, characterized by a mild and snappy typing experience. The Semi-Silent Linear also has a subdued and neutral sound profile, offering a more dampened and subtle sound compared to most switches.
In closing, the Everglide Bamboo Green is a fantastic choice if you want a tactile switch with a clacky sound, crisp tactility, and a stepped feel. Meanwhile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is perfect if you prefer a linear switch with a semi-silent topping-out sound, smooth type feel, and a mild tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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