Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The V3 Crystal Pro stands out with its fully polycarbonate construction, offering a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is praised for its innovative design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, all while maintaining a silky smooth feel. The Crystal Pro switch is best characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished', while the Semi-Silent Linear switch is labeled as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and specific needs. 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, making both keyboards similar in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
However, where the keyboards differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which further enhances the sharp and clear sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights the impact it has on the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing in both keyboards ensures a sharp and clear sound, but the difference in bottom housing materials offers a distinct sound experience. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both keyboards provide a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch both offer a medium actuation force, with the V3 Crystal Pro requiring 48 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear having an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force differs slightly, with the V3 Crystal Pro requiring 60 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's 62 grams. In terms of weight, the V3 Crystal Pro is lighter, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. The V3 Crystal Pro offers a bit more depth compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy sound signature due to its fully polycarbonate construction, which gives it a unique acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch provides a more subdued sound, with a whisper-quiet top-out noise and a clacky bottom-out sound. The neutral characteristic of the Semi-Silent Linear switch makes it suitable for a wide range of users and environments, while the chirpy sound of the V3 Crystal Pro switch stands out for those looking for a more distinct auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is described as bouncy and polished, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch provides a mild and snappy typing experience, with a buttery and polished feel. Both switches offer a silky smooth typing experience, but the V3 Crystal Pro switch may appeal more to those who prefer a livelier and rebounding feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a gentle and responsive typing experience in a safe middle-ground zone.
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. While the V3 Crystal Pro switch is characterized by its chirpy sound and bouncy feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound and a mild typing experience. However, both switches provide a silky smooth typing experience, making them suitable choices for various users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a bright and chirpy sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, along with a smooth but not over-polished feel, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
