Durock Medium Tactile vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile 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 that offer a unique typing experience are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Durock Medium Tactile is highly regarded for its distinctive tactile feedback, striking a delicate balance between pronounced feedback and smooth keystrokes. Its jelly-like sound signature adds an extra layer of satisfaction to each press. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is celebrated for its innovation in delivering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while still offering a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel is complemented by its moderate level of polish. While these general pointers may help you make an initial decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can determine the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Durock Medium Tactile and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have similar top housings made of polycarbonate. This material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. Therefore, users can expect similar results when it comes to the sound and aesthetic qualities of the top housing in both switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Medium Tactile and the Semi-Silent Linear differ in material, with the Medium Tactile featuring a nylon bottom housing. Typing on the Medium Tactile switch will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the characteristics of nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's bottom housing is also made of nylon, thus providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, providing a more muted sound compared to harder plastics.
In terms of user experience, the top and bottom housings of the switches play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel when you press down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the differing bottom housings of the Medium Tactile and Semi-Silent Linear will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the similar polycarbonate top housings will contribute to the sound profile when releasing a key. As a result, users can expect variations in the typing experience depending on the chosen switch due to the distinctions in material between the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Unfortunately, the specific actuation forces for both switches are unavailable, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Where the information is available, we can see that the Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly lower bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range.
In terms of weight, the Medium Tactile switch seems to be heavier due to its higher bottom out force, which can provide a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is slightly lighter, making it a potentially suitable choice for extended typing or gaming sessions, where a lighter switch can reduce fatigue.
Although we can't provide a direct comparison of the actuation forces, it's reasonable to assume that the actuation forces of both switches are likely to be similar, given that they share the same size category and both are non-clicky switches. Therefore, if one prefers the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch, they may expect to achieve a similar feel with the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on individual preferences. Those who enjoy a heavier and more substantial typing experience may prefer the Medium Tactile switch, while those who value a lighter feel and longer typing sessions may opt for the Semi-Silent Linear switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Medium Tactile switch falls under the more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch is on the shallower side with a distance of 3.7 mm. It is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive experience. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the switch with the longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its jelly-like sound signature, which gives it a unique and distinctive quality. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as having a subdued sound when pressed, making it quieter compared to most switches. While not completely silent, it provides a more subtle and dampened sound when compared to others. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides a balanced and pronounced tactility, falling into the category of "medium tactile" switches. This means that it offers a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming or too subtle. Additionally, it can provide a mild typing experience, thanks to its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined key travel.
Similarly, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch also falls into the "mild" category, offering a more gentle typing experience. It is described as having a silky smooth type feel, which means that it provides a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Additionally, it is also described as snappy, indicating its responsiveness. Like the Durock Medium Tactile switch, it features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Durock Medium Tactile and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches differ in terms of sound and feel, they both fall into the "mild" category, offering a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches also feature a polished finish, providing smooth and refined key travel. Therefore, if you choose either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and overall experience, even though the sound may differ slightly.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the qualities of each switch to determine which one aligns with your preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a medium-heavy tactile experience. Additionally, it produces a jelly-like sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear provides a semi-silent topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This switch offers a silky smooth type feel, making it suitable for those seeking a more subdued and neutral switch option. Both switches feature a moderate actuation force, making them versatile options for various use cases. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prefer a switch with prominent tactility and a jelly-like sound (Durock Medium Tactile) or a switch with a semi-silent sound and a silky smooth type feel (Jwick Semi-Silent Linear). Consider your personal typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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