Bsun Hutt vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Hutt and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Hutt switch is praised for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design that offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, along with a silky smooth typing feel. While the Hutt switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Accented', and 'Resonant', the Semi-Silent Linear is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique selling points, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for aesthetic purposes. While both switches share this material in the top housing, the Bsun Hutt stands out with its nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate bottom housing.
When it comes to the sound produced by the switches, the housing materials play a significant role. The Bsun Hutt's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in material leads to a distinct typing experience for users of each switch, with the Hutt offering a more muted sound compared to the sharper sound of the Semi-Silent Linear. However, both switches share the crisp and resonant sound profile created by their polycarbonate top housing, providing a similar auditory experience in that aspect.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Hutt and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the Bsun Hutt's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether a user prefers a crisper sound or a more muted typing experience, the housing materials of these switches play a key role in shaping the overall sound profile and feel of the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Hutt is lighter in both aspects. The Hutt has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a heavier option compared to the Hutt. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying force requirements. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Hutt for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Semi-Silent Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Hutt. The difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and feedback of the switch when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their faster response times. However, some users may prefer the slightly deeper feel of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a resonant experience with a higher-pitched sound profile and clean, sharp tones, providing an immersive auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch produces a subdued sound that is dampened when pressed, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear switch also has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch provides a snappy and invigorating typing experience with its pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and sharp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. It also offers an accented tactile feel, providing a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Meanwhile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience that is gentle and approachable for most users. Its snappy responsiveness, smooth keystroke feel, and polished finish result in a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Hutt switch provides a resonant and sharp sound profile with a snappy and pronounced tactile feel, the Jwick switch offers a subdued and gentle sound with a buttery and polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a light bottom out force with a prominent tactile bump and a balanced sound profile that provides a distinctive typing experience, the Hutt switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a silky smooth typing feel, a whisper-quiet top out sound, and a clacky bottom-out sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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