KTT Cream Yellow vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound and unique bouncy typing feel. With its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, it delivers resonant audio feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design. It offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, providing a balanced auditory experience. Its silky smooth type feel is not overly polished, striking a perfect balance between a gentle keystroke and a snappy response. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages, 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a more defined auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting in their keyboards. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of bottom housings, the Cream Yellow incorporates nylon, while the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes this classic switch housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. As a result, both switches offer a duller and rounder sound when typing, providing a different auditory experience compared to their polycarbonate top housings. It is worth noting that the bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
To summarize, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches offer a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. However, they differ in their bottom housings, with the Cream Yellow featuring nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes nylon for a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel, with the top and bottom housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, both of which are considered medium. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear does not provide information on its actuation force, but has a bottom out force of 62 grams, also classified as medium.
In terms of weight, the Cream Yellow is lighter with a lower bottom out force compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. This lighter weight can be preferred by individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial push feel during typing. This can be desirable for those seeking a stronger and more tactile response.
Unfortunately, since the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is not mentioned, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches in this aspect. However, it is safe to assume that if the actuation force is similar to its bottom out force, as it often is in linear switches, then both switches would provide a similar level of actuation force. This means that users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes.
In conclusion, while the Cream Yellow is lighter in terms of bottom out force, allowing for extended typing sessions, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter or stronger push feel depends on personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Comparing these two switches, it can be seen that the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear.
In terms of the traditional travel distances, where 4.0 mm is considered the most common and 3.0 mm is regarded as the shallowest, both the Cream Yellow and Semi-Silent Linear fall within the shorter travel distance range. This shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers who are looking for faster response times.
However, it is important to note that personal preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch. While shorter travel distances may offer quicker responses, some individuals may find them to feel too abrupt. In such cases, those who prefer a deeper keystroke may prefer the switch with the longer travel distance, which in this case would be the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, but the Cream Yellow with its 3.5 mm travel distance would provide a slightly quicker keystroke compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear with its 3.7 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This unique sound is achieved through its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the lengthened spring adds to a bouncy typing feel, giving the keys a lively sensation and rebound.
On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a different sound experience. It is described as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, it still maintains a clacky bottom-out sound, providing a pleasing tactile feedback for typists. The Semi-Silent Linear switch falls into the category of neutral switches, which have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and it can be used in various settings such as home or work.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cream Yellow switch has a bouncy typing experience. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel. This bounciness adds to the overall enjoyment and responsiveness of typing on this switch.
On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls into the category of mild switches, which offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. However, it is also described as snappy and buttery, indicating that it is super responsive and provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The polished finish of these switches further enhances the smoothness of the keystrokes, reducing friction and ensuring a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Semi-Silent Linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch delivers a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued sound with a mild, yet snappy and buttery feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a better choice. Overall, the subjective qualities mentioned can greatly enhance the typing experience, but it's important to note that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also affect the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. This switch delivers a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving you a crisp and percussive typing experience. Additionally, the bouncy feel of the Cream Yellow switch provides a spring-like feedback sensation, giving you a lively and responsive typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a suitable option. This switch offers a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It also has a silky smooth type feel, giving you a gentle and buttery typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Cream Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear will depend on your sound and feel preferences. If you enjoy a loud and lively typing experience, go for the Cream Yellow. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is a great option. Both switches have medium bottom out forces, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Take into consideration your personal preferences and use cases to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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