Huano Grape Orange vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both stand out as excellent options for those seeking a linear typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who engage in extended typing sessions without fatigue. This switch offers a smooth and effortless key press that promotes speed, particularly appealing for typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear introduces an innovative twist to the linear switch category, featuring a silky-smooth feel while balancing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clackier bottom-out feedback. This makes it an attractive option for users who appreciate a stealthier typing experience without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction of their keystrokes. With these distinctions in mind, the selection between the Grape Orange and Semi-Silent Linear ultimately depends on one's specific typing style and environment. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to their shared audio characteristics. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic, results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s translucency is particularly beneficial for users interested in RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through and illuminate the switch visually. The aesthetic appeal and sound resonance provided by the polycarbonate top make both switches well-suited for users who prioritize both functionality and visual design in their mechanical keyboards.

While the top housing of both switches is made from polycarbonate, the comparison diverges with the choice of material in the bottom housing. Both the Grape Orange and the Semi-Silent Linear use nylon for the bottom housing, which significantly influences the sound profile experienced during typing. Nylon is known for its softer composition, leading to a deeper, fuller sound when the switch is bottomed out. This characteristic dampens the sound, yielding a warmer, more rounded auditory experience, which contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. The combination of these opposing materials means that users will experience a nuanced blend of sound profiles: a crisp attack on keypress and a mellowed, deeper release, enhancing the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, while both switches share similarities in their top housing material and thus possess a comparable sound signature for the top end, the differing bottom housing materials create a diverse auditory experience. The Grape Orange and Semi-Silent Linear switches exemplify how the interaction between materials can yield distinct sound qualities, with the nylon absorbing sound in the deeper ranges while the polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant higher range. This interplay ensures that, despite their similarities, users of both switches will have a unique tactile and acoustic response when typing, resulting in a dynamic combination that caters to varied preferences in keyboard feel and sound.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange is a lighter option, requiring only 40 grams of force to actuate, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, with an unknown actuation force. This suggests that the Grape Orange may provide a more effortless typing experience, which is ideal for users who type for extended periods or game for long sessions. In comparison, the heavier force of the Semi-Silent Linear may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter touch should gravitate towards the Grape Orange, while individuals who appreciate a firmer pressure should consider the Semi-Silent Linear, provided they don’t mind the unknown actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, the Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a more responsive feel, making it a preferable choice for gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users might prefer for a less abrupt feel. Therefore, if you value responsiveness, the Grape Orange is the better option; however, if you appreciate a bit more depth in your key presses, the Semi-Silent Linear might be the way to go. Overall, both switches are close in distance, but the Grape Orange is the shorter option, while the Semi-Silent Linear is the longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch has not been definitively described in the provided information, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its subdued auditory characteristics, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still featuring a clacky bottom-out noise. This duality allows for a typing experience that minimizes distractions without sacrificing tactile feedback, making it well-suited for both home and office environments where noise levels may be a consideration.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch is characterized by its exceptionally light actuation force of 40g, which promotes an effortless typing experience ideal for extended sessions. This switch likely emphasizes a gentle yet responsive typing sensation, although specific descriptors for its tactile feedback are not mentioned. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch boasts a variety of feel descriptors, including mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. This diverse tactile feedback suggests a highly refined typing experience, combining gentle engagement with responsive actuation, making it appealing for users who appreciate both smoothness and a lively keystroke.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer unique advantages tailored to different types of users. While the Grape Orange excels with its ultra-light actuation for minimal effort during long typing sessions, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more varied tactile experience alongside its subdued sound profile. If you prioritize a lighter feel, the Grape Orange may be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more nuanced typing experience with reduced noise levels, the Semi-Silent Linear could be your ideal match. Each switch brings its own charm, ultimately leading to a satisfying typing experience based on personal preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate a lighter feel and are looking for a switch that offers an effortless typing experience during extended typing sessions, the Grape Orange, with its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams and light bottom-out force of 50 grams, would be the ideal choice. Its sound profile is designed for those who enjoy a more audible feedback without being intrusive, making it suitable for a casual setup. However, if you're seeking a switch that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and sound while allowing for a more moderate actuation, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 62 grams, it provides a see-you-later stepping of resistance, catering well to both work and home environments due to its subdued sound and snappy, buttery feel. Ultimately, if discretion and a smooth, yet engaging experience is what you value, the Semi-Silent Linear will serve you well. Balancing lightness with smoothness and sound is key—your choice will shape how you interact with your keyboard each day.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more