Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Moyu Black, also known as Dark Jade, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct experiences. The Moyu Black stands out for its sharp tactile feel due to its unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing. It has a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, resulting in a hypertactile sensation when typing on the Moyu Blacks. These switches have a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, creating a distinctive and impactful typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its innovative design. It delivers a silky smooth typing experience without an over-polished touch. Its semi-silent label comes from a whisper-quiet topping-out sound paired with a clacky bottom-out sound. Classified as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a balanced and refined typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ in terms of their housing materials. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. PBT, although relatively unseen in switch housings, offers a neutral sound profile. It is neither very crisp nor dull. On the other hand, polycarbonate's use in switch housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. If you prefer a switch with a clearer, crisper sound, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing might be more suitable.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear also differ. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) comes with a PBT bottom housing, which offers a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. The Semi-Silent Linear, on the other hand, utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on the Semi-Silent Linear with its nylon bottom housing will produce a duller and rounder sound compared to the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) with its PBT bottom housing. If you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Semi-Silent Linear might be more desirable.
As for the impact of the top and bottom housings, it is important to note that each housing material contributes differently to the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, particularly in the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the Nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear will have a greater impact on the typing experience during key presses. On the other hand, the top housing has more influence on the sound produced when letting go of a key. Therefore, if you are more concerned with the sound profile during key releases, the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear might be more suitable. However, if you prioritize the overall sound profile and feel during key presses, the PBT housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) could provide similar results.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Moyu Black is slightly heavier at 67 grams, compared to the 62 grams of the Semi-Silent Linear switch. In terms of weight, the Moyu Black is slightly heavier overall.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a better option, as it has a lower bottom out force. This allows for comfortable typing over longer periods of time, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Moyu Black offers a stronger push feel due to its higher actuation force and heavier bottom out force. This provides a more substantial typing experience, which some individuals prefer.
Although the actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unavailable, it is important to note that if it happens to be similar to 50 grams like the Moyu Black, both switches would offer a comparable level of actuation force. This means that individuals seeking the same amount of force required to trigger a keystroke could achieve similar results with either switch.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on the individual's preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we find that the Moyu Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Moyu Black's 4.0mm distance falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear's 3.7mm distance is on the shallower end of the spectrum. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear may be the preferable choice. However, individuals who prefer a deeper key press may find the Moyu Black's slightly longer travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and desired levels of responsiveness and depth. In the end, both options will provide similar results, with the only distinction being the slight variation in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and higher-pitched, creating a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy noise on the downstroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued sound when pressed, making it quieter than the Moyu Black. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature, with a clacky bottom-out sound and a whisper-quiet topping-out sound. Overall, if you're looking for a switch with a more engaging and resonant sound, the Moyu Black would be the way to go. However, if a quieter and more subtle sound is your preference, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be a better choice.
Moving on to feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is described as having an accented and sharp tactile feel. This means that it offers a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The tactile bump is strong, crisp, and distinct with each keypress, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy feel. This means that it provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users. It also has a super responsive typing experience due to longer or dual-staged springs, giving it a more lively feel. Additionally, it has a buttery and polished keystroke experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the specific feel of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is not mentioned, based on its descriptors, it is likely to provide a comfortable and smooth typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Moyu Black provides a resonant and immersive auditory experience with its clean, sharp, and higher-pitched sound profile, as well as an accented and sharp tactile feel that is prominent and satisfying. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound and a mild and snappy feel, with a gentle and approachable typing experience. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch are not provided, it is likely to offer a smooth and comfortable typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a more engaging and resonant sound with a strong tactile feel, the Moyu Black would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a quieter and more subtle sound with a mild and snappy feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a distinctive and impactful typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and strong downstroke and upstroke bumps, you can expect a sharp and snappy feel while typing. The Moyu Blacks also offer a resonant sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be the better option. With its medium bottom out force and silky smooth type feel, you can enjoy a mild and snappy switch. The Semi-Silent Linear also provides a subdued sound profile, offering a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch depends on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. Whether you are looking for a sharp and distinctive feel or a gentle and approachable switch, both options cater to different needs. Consider your personal preferences and requirements to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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