Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw, a linear switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, also a linear switch, both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is praised for its innovative semi-silent design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, with a silky smooth feel. While the Keygeek Raw is described as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Semi-Silent Linear is characterized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. These general descriptions offer insight into why someone might choose one switch over the other; 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing creates a distinctive sound that is likely softer and more muffled compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches. In terms of feel, the bottom housing of the Keygeek Raw with UMPE & Si blend may offer a different typing experience compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, with the former possibly providing a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While both switches may offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials, they ultimately provide the user with a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive blend of Nylon & UPE in the top housing may offer a more subdued typing experience, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Conversely, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing could provide a different feel compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Keygeek Raw and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches aim to provide users with a unique typing experience. The top and bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of each switch, with the Keygeek Raw offering a softer, more muffled sound profile compared to the crisper sound of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. While the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing may create a more resonant sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Keygeek Raw may offer a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a fuller, rounder sound, both switches provide options for users to customize their typing experience based on their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams, making them equally sensitive when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, the Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This difference means that the Jwick switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Keygeek switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Keygeek Raw may be the better option, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 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 switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Keygeek Raw switch. The Keygeek Raw switch would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster typing or gaming speeds. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be preferred by those who prefer a deeper key press feel, as the longer travel distance can provide a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer different experiences. The Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound, giving a quieter typing experience while still maintaining a subtle clack on bottom-out. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific setting in which the keyboard will be used.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a textured typing experience right out of the box, providing a unique feel that enthusiasts may appreciate. It also falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that suits a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a smooth and buttery feel, indicating a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This switch also has a snappy response, making the typing experience more lively. Again, personal preference will dictate which feel is preferable to the individual user.
Considering all the available information, the Keygeek Raw and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw offers a more neutral sound and textured feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a quieter sound profile and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, so users can expect satisfying results from either option based on their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch or the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a unique material blend that provides a slightly textured feel, a creamy yet lightweight switch, and enjoy hand-lubing your switches, then the Keygeek Raw may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, a silky smooth feel, and a more subdued sound signature, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch could be the ideal option. Consider your typing style, workplace environment, and desired sound and feel preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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