Outemu Crystal vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two popular options that showcase unique qualities. The Crystal switch offers a distinct linear typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a one-of-a-kind sensation when typing. Additionally, its neutral sound profile enhances the overall experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out with its innovative design, especially for those who value a whisper-quiet topping-out sound combined with a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, striking a balance between being polished and not overly so. While these generalities provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making it ideal for RGB lighting.
However, the bottom housings of the two switches differ. The Crystal switch uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This maintains consistency in sound profile, with a sharper and crisper sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a rounder and duller sound when compared to the Crystal switch's bottom housing.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of their respective bottom housings become apparent. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. With the Crystal switch's polycarbonate bottom housing, users can expect a sharper and crisper sound when pressing the keys. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch will elicit a deeper and fuller sound when typing.
Conversely, the top housing of each switch plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Both the Crystal and the Semi-Silent Linear switches, with their polycarbonate top housings, will provide a sharper and higher-pitched sound when keys are released. This attribute is enhanced by the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound upon key release.
In summary, the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, their bottom housings differ, with the Crystal using polycarbonate for consistency in sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is medium-light, while the Semi-Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown. This means that if one prefers a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Crystal switch may be a good choice. However, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switch might be preferred. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Crystal has a relatively light bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that the Semi-Silent Linear switch will provide a slightly more resistant feel when fully pressed compared to the Crystal switch. Overall, if one prefers a lighter touch, the Crystal switch would be a suitable option, while those seeking a slightly heavier and more substantial key press may find the Semi-Silent Linear switch more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference between the two. The Crystal has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Gamers, who value faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear. This allows for quicker key presses and enhanced gameplay. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel and depth when pressing down on a key, the 4 mm travel distance of the Crystal may be more appealing. Both switches offer their own advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched sound profile. The unique acoustic signature of these switches sets them apart from others, with a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it provides a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The Semi-Silent Linear switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. It maintains a clacky bottom-out sound while featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by the switches. Overall, the Crystal switches provide a chirpy high-pitched sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear switches offer a more subdued and neutral sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a unique linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel. It combines a medium-light weight with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This polished switch offers reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild, snappy, and buttery typing experience. It provides a gentle typing experience with a middle-ground approachable feel suitable for most users. The longer or dual-staged springs in these switches make the typing experience feel more alive and responsive. Similar to the Crystal switches, the Semi-Silent Linear switches also feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Crystal switches providing a unique elastic feel and the Semi-Silent Linear switches offering a more gentle and approachable typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switches provide a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear switches offer a more subdued and neutral sound experience. In terms of feel, the Crystal switches combine a fairly elastic feel with a smooth and polished finish, resulting in a unique linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switches offer a mild, snappy, and buttery typing experience. Both switches provide smooth and refined key travel, with the Crystal switches offering a medium-light weight and the Semi-Silent Linear switches featuring longer or dual-staged springs for a more responsive feel. Although these switches have their own distinct qualities, they both provide enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a fairly elastic feel and provide a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a medium bottom out force, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch would be a suitable option. These switches offer a silky smooth typing experience with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a more polished and refined finish, both the Crystal and Semi-Silent Linear switches provide this quality, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound.
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