TTC Iron vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Iron linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The TTC Iron is renowned for its pronounced clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each press. Its light actuation and buttery smooth travel make it ideal for those seeking precision and pleasure in typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative semi-silent feature, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel ensures a comfortable typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your preference for sound feedback and typing feel. 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
41g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Iron and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Iron's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear is advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Iron's POM bottom housing contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted, while the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
Despite their differences, both the TTC Iron and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on sound profiles. The distinct qualities of POM and polycarbonate in the top housings of these switches create noticeable differences in the sound produced. Similarly, the contrasting characteristics of POM and nylon in the bottom housings reveal how the material choice can affect the overall typing experience. Whether it's the sharpness of polycarbonate or the fullness of nylon, each housing material brings its own unique attributes to the switch, resulting in varied sound profiles for users to enjoy.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the TTC Iron and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches play a crucial role. The division of qualities between the top and bottom housings means that users will feel and hear different aspects of the switch depending on where they press. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the influence of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, showcases how the choice of materials can enhance the overall typing experience. Whether it's the deeper, more muted sound of POM or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, both the Iron and Semi-Silent Linear switches offer distinct sound profiles thanks to their unique housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Iron switch at 50 grams is lighter than the Jwick switch's bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Iron switch would provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch. The Jwick switch, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Iron switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and feedback, you may lean towards the TTC Iron linear switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more abrupt and quick response, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance is minimal, so both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 TTC Iron linear switch stands out for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound combined with a clacky bottom-out sound. This makes it a more subtle option for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Both switches fall within the neutral sound profile range, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Iron linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press actuation, requiring minimal force to activate each key. This results in a gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Its silky smooth feel, combined with snappy and buttery characteristics, ensures a comfortable and responsive typing sensation. Both switches provide a satisfying typing feel, with the Jwick switch leaning towards a more refined and polished experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Iron linear switch excels in providing a clacky sound signature and an easy-to-press typing feel, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a pronounced key sound and swift actuation. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile and a silky smooth typing feel, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience with a touch of snappiness and buttery smoothness. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured that both switches offer quality performance for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a light actuation force, pronounced clacky sound, and buttery smooth travel, the TTC Iron switch may be the ideal choice for you. It offers a unique typing experience that combines precision and pleasure in every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force, semi-silent topping-out sound, and silky smooth feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch could be more suited to your preferences. It provides a quiet yet satisfying typing experience that is both innovative and comfortable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboard usage.
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