Durock Light Tactile vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer unique features and experiences. The Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a refreshing alternative to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on this switch offers an angelic tactility and a pleasing jelly-like sound signature. Its categorization as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished' further emphasizes its smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch introduces innovation to the scene. Its semi-silent nature is defined by a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, combined with a clacky bottom-out sound. This switch offers a silky smooth type feel without being overly polished. With a categorization including descriptors such as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a range of features to suit different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Light Tactile or the Semi-Silent Linear.
However, a notable difference arises when it comes to the bottom housings of these switches. The Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a similar nylon material. This choice of housing material brings about a distinct variation in the sound profile. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Light Tactile produces a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out.
When considering the impact of the housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound when a key is released. This distinction allows users to experience a combination of the sharp and resonant polycarbonate sound from the top housing and the deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing, further contributing to the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Light Tactile and the Semi-Silent Linear share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the choice of housing material for the bottom part sets them apart. The Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. However, the impact of these differences is subjective and depends on the individual's preference and typing style. Both switches offer a unique combination of sound profiles due to the distinct qualities of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Durock Light Tactile switch is 52 grams, while the actuation force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown. This means that it is not clear how much force is required to trigger a keystroke with the Jwick switch. On the other hand, both switches have a bottom out force, with the Durock Light Tactile switch weighing in at 67 grams and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch at 62 grams.
In terms of weight considerations, the Durock Light Tactile switch appears to be heavier with its medium-heavy actuation force and bottom out force. This may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, for those who prioritize a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the exact actuation force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, but it does have a medium bottom out force. Therefore, it is possible that the Jwick switch could offer a similar lighter feel, although precise comparisons cannot be made without knowing the exact actuation force.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch seems to be the heavier option with its known actuation force and bottom out force, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a potentially lighter alternative, depending on its unknown actuation force. Ultimately, the decision would depend on the user's preference for a specific typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4 mm being more common and 3.7 mm being slightly shallower. However, the difference in travel distance may lead to varying preferences among users. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for quicker response times. In this case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the preferred option. On the other hand, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying keystroke. In such cases, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be the more suitable choice. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth when pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile. It produces a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a more subdued sound. While not completely silent, it offers a dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Both switches fall within the moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
When it comes to feel, both the Light Tactile and Semi-Silent Linear switches provide a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. This reduced friction contributes to a sleek typing experience. The Semi-Silent Linear switch also incorporates snappy qualities, making it super responsive and adding a sense of liveliness to the typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle and angelic tactility, contrasting the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. It also offers a jelly-like sound signature, giving it a unique character. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is praised for its innovative semi-silent feature. It produces a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is described as silky smooth, combining a mild and polished switch with snappy characteristics.
Overall, both switches offer desirable subjective qualities. While the Light Tactile switch provides a softer tactile experience with a jelly-like sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a quieter typing sound while maintaining a smooth and snappy feel. Depending on your preference for tactility and sound level, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be an excellent choice. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and provides an angelic tactility that sets it apart from sharper tactile switches on the market. Additionally, its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you are using it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent linear switch that offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, this switch provides a silky smooth typing experience. It falls under the subdued sound category, producing a dampened sound when pressed. Its mild feel ensures a gentle typing experience, and its snappy and buttery characteristics make typing feel alive and effortless. Like the Light Tactile, the Semi-Silent Linear switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, go for the Durock Light Tactile switch. However, if you prefer a semi-silent linear switch with a subdued sound and a smooth typing experience, opt for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and personal preferences.
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