TTC Gold Red vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red 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 that suits your typing style, two options worth considering are the TTC Gold Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Gold Red switches are known for their buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance. With a snappy sound profile, these switches add a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switches offer an innovative experience, combining a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound. These switches provide a silky smooth type feel, striking a balance between being polished without being overly so. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 TTC Gold Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, offer similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, resulting in a more clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. Therefore, whether you choose the Gold Red or the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, you can expect similar results when it comes to the sound profile and visual enhancement.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Gold Red featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear utilizing the same material. The use of nylon in the bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. While the overall typing experience might differ slightly between the Gold Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear due to the variation in bottom housing materials, both switches offer the advantage of a more muted and muffled sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
In terms of functionality, it's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials are distributed differently in each switch. When pressing down on a key, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced more by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing the key will be influenced more by the top housing. This means that the overall sound and feel of the switches will be a combination of the characteristics provided by both the top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gold Red has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, meaning it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unknown, but it can be assumed to be heavier considering its bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium.
The variation in actuation force indicates that the Gold Red switch may offer a more sensitive and responsive typing experience, requiring less effort to register keystrokes. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions, as it reduces the fatigue that may come with typing on heavier switches. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch, with its potentially heavier actuation force, may provide a more substantial and satisfying push feel.
Both switches have different bottom out forces as well. The Gold Red requires 50 grams of force to fully bottom out, while the Semi-Silent Linear demands 62 grams. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more resistant feel when pressing all the way down, possibly resulting in a more tactile typing experience. Conversely, the Gold Red switch provides a lighter and smoother bottom out, which may suit those who prefer a more effortless typing sensation.
Overall, if one is seeking a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red linear switch would be an ideal choice, as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force. However, for individuals desiring a stronger push and a more substantial typing feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be a better fit, with its potentially heavier actuation force and higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the selection depends on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces, as well as their typing habits and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that the Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, but the Gold Red offers a slightly deeper key press experience.
If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear may be more appealing to you. The 3.7 mm travel distance allows for quick and precise key presses, ideal for gaming situations where speed is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a more satisfying depth when pressing down on keys, the Gold Red with its 4 mm travel distance may be the better option for you. The additional 0.3 mm of travel provides a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, which some users may find more comfortable and enjoyable.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific use case. Both the TTC Gold Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer their own advantages based on their travel distances. Whether you prefer the shorter and quicker response of the Semi-Silent Linear or the deeper and more substantial feel of the Gold Red, you can be assured of a quality typing or gaming experience with either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Red linear switches have a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. When pressed and released, these switches produce a deep and satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock" sound. This adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switches offer a more subdued sound. They produce a dampened sound when pressed, which is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. Both switches fall into the category of neutral switches, meaning they have a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switches offer a mild and silky typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance and a safe, middle-ground typing feel. They provide a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches also offer a mild typing experience but with a snappy and buttery feel. They are super responsive and provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Like the Gold Red switches, they also have a polished finish for a sleek typing experience.
Based on the provided information, the Gold Red switches are best known for their smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are considered one of the most innovative releases, offering a semi-silent sound with a clacky bottom-out sound and a silky smooth type feel. While both switches have a neutral actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the Gold Red switches have more of a thocky and low-pitched sound, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have a more subdued sound. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches have a mild and silky typing experience, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have a mild and snappy/buttery feel. Overall, both switches offer smooth typing experiences, but the Gold Red switches lean towards a deeper sound and a smoother feel, whereas the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches provide a semi-silent sound and a more responsive feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light-medium resistance switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them light and easy to press. They produce a thocky and low-pitched sound, which adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches provide a medium level of resistance. They are described as having a semi-silent and subdued sound, offering a more subtle and dampened sound signature compared to most switches. In terms of feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, offering a gentle yet more responsive and fluid typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches depends on your priorities. If you prefer a lighter resistance, a thocky sound, and a buttery smooth typing experience, go for the Gold Red switches. If having a semi-silent sound, a medium resistance, and a more responsive and fluid typing experience is more important to you, opt for the Semi-Silent Linear switches. Consider your personal preferences and typing needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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