Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both offer unique features for users seeking a smooth typing experience. The Jupiter Red is known for its uninterrupted keystroke and medium-heavy actuation, making it a top choice for those who prefer a consistent typing experience with softer backlight effects. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. While the Jupiter Red is categorized as 'Polished', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', the Semi-Silent Linear falls under 'Subdued', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, appealing to different preferences in typing feel and sound levels. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches both share the same polycarbonate top housing material, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. With similar top housing materials, users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches.
However, the Jupiter Red and Semi-Silent Linear switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Jupiter Red features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, allowing users to experience similar qualities in typing experience and sound profile with both switches. This commonality in bottom housing material ensures a consistent feel and sound between the two switches.
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, it is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials contribute differently to the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing will affect the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by the combination of their top and bottom housing materials. Ultimately, users can expect similar sound profiles and typing experiences from the Gateron Jupiter Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, with slight variations in the depth and resonance of the sound produced.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Jupiter Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a moderate level of resistance. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which also falls within the medium range. In terms of actuation force, the Jupiter Red is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear, while the bottom out force is slightly higher for the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Jupiter Red being lighter for those who prefer less resistance, and the Semi-Silent Linear providing a slightly heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Red linear switch. The difference may not seem significant, but for some users, even a minor variation in travel distance can affect their typing experience. Those who prefer a faster response time may opt for the Jwick switch with the shorter travel distance, while individuals who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Jupiter Red switch with the slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 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 Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized by a subdued sound, offering a more subtle and dampened typing experience. Both switches provide a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for most users, but with different sound characteristics. The choice between the two would depend on whether a user prefers a neutral sound with the Jupiter Red or a more subdued typing experience with the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is known for its polished, creamy, and silky typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy feel, providing a gentle yet responsive typing experience. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Jupiter Red focusing on smoothness and the Semi-Silent Linear on responsiveness. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel, users can choose between the polished smoothness of the Jupiter Red or the snappy responsiveness of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Red provides a neutral sound profile and a polished, creamy typing experience, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued sound and a mild, snappy typing feel. Users looking for a seamless and consistent typing experience may prefer the Jupiter Red, while those seeking a more subtle and responsive typing feel might opt for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, offering different subjective qualities to cater to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a silky feel and a slightly higher actuation force, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch might be more fitting for your needs. Consider your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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