Outemu Lime vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Lime and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Lime switches are known for their unique combination of lightweight construction, approachable tactility, and silence. These switches are perfect for tactile enthusiasts who prefer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design. It produces a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound. The type feel of this switch is silky smooth, providing an enjoyable typing experience. Both switches have their own merits, offering a range of qualities from neutral to mild and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches differ in terms of their composition but offer similar results in terms of sound profiles. The Lime features a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the two materials produce different sounds, they both offer a distinct and enjoyable typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Lime and the Semi-Silent Linear switches utilize nylon for their construction. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and enhanced sound absorption capabilities. Regardless of the switch model, the nylon bottom housing creates a similar effect in terms of sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a comparable typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches.
The importance of the housing materials becomes evident when considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound profile. Since the Lime and the Semi-Silent Linear differ in their top housing materials, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When a key is pressed, the bottom housing's characteristics are more noticeable, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing becomes prominent, influencing the sound produced. This distinction highlights the significance of selecting the right switch housing material for users seeking their desired sound profile.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Lime and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches differ in the materials used for their top and bottom housings, they offer similar results in terms of sound profiles. The Lime's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar, duller, and rounder sound. The selection of housing materials becomes crucial in achieving the desired typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing determining the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Lime switch has a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams, meaning it requires a gentle touch to register a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable, suggesting that it may not be readily available or has not been determined. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Lime switch requires 45 grams of force to fully press a key, which is still on the lighter side. However, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience.
Weight is an important consideration for many keyboard users. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force, like the Lime switch's 35 grams, may find it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. This light touch can be beneficial when using a keyboard at work or when gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more robust typing experience may lean towards options with heavier forces. In this case, the Semi-Silent Linear switch's 62-gram bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial tactile feedback.
Although the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, we can infer that it is likely to be higher than the Lime switch's 35 grams, considering the heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. Therefore, individuals wanting a similar experience to the Lime switch's light actuation force can achieve comparable results by choosing the Semi-Silent Linear switch due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, the Lime switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a medium actuation force and a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. These two switches have a noticeable difference in their travel distance, with the Semi-Silent Linear having a longer distance. The Lime switch falls within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a deeper and more substantial feel due to its longer travel distance. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive keystroke, the Lime switch's shorter travel distance would be the better option. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced keystroke that provides a sense of depth, the Semi-Silent Linear switch with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Lime switch is best described as neutral and muted. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. Additionally, the Lime switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as subdued and neutral. Similar to the Lime switch, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, producing a dampened sound when pressed. It is not completely silent, but it does provide a quieter experience. Overall, both switches aim to provide a more muted and subdued sound, making them suitable for shared spaces or situations where noise reduction is desired.
In terms of feel, the Lime switch is characterized as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These qualities contribute to a gentle typing experience with an approachable feel. The Lime switch is exceptionally light to press, requiring little exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It also has a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel, and the sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the Lime switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience and a safe middle-ground feel. The snappy characteristic of the Semi-Silent Linear switch makes it super responsive, providing a more alive typing experience. It also offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, similar to the polished attribute of the Lime switch. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and effortless typing sensation.
Overall, the Lime and Semi-Silent Linear switches share some similarities in terms of subjective qualities. They both aim to provide a muted and subdued sound, making them suitable for shared spaces or situations where noise reduction is desired. Additionally, they both offer a gentle and approachable typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone. The Lime switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch is snappy and buttery, providing a responsive and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches have a smooth and polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, either the Lime or Semi-Silent Linear switch can be a suitable choice depending on your specific preferences and typing requirements.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a unique and lightweight tactile switch with a feather-light typing experience accompanied by a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime is the perfect choice for you. These switches are not only light but also silenced, making them ideal for tactile fans who want a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a semi-silent typing experience with a silky smooth type feel and a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the way to go. It provides a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, making it suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for weight, tactility, and sound.
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