Cherry MX Black vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black 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 to consider are the Cherry MX Black and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The MX Black is best known for its classic textured smoothness, thanks to Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. With a deep sound profile and a stiff feel, it provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is a highly innovative switch with a unique combination of characteristics. While it maintains a clacky bottom-out sound, it offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. With a silky smooth type feel and a range of characteristics including being snappy, buttery, and polished, this switch delivers a different but equally satisfying user experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Cherry MX Black and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have different materials used for their top housings - nylon for the MX Black and polycarbonate for the Semi-Silent Linear. The nylon top housing of the MX Black creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects.
However, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effect of the nylon top housing of the MX Black. Nylon is known for its relatively softer plastic composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, influenced by nylon, will be prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel.
To summarize, the Cherry MX Black and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches differ in their top housing materials, with nylon and polycarbonate used respectively. The nylon top housing of the MX Black creates a deep and full sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear produces a sharper and more resonant sound. However, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar emphasis on a deeper and fuller sound profile in the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable differences in weight. The MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it heavier in comparison. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 62 grams, which is considered medium.
Considering weight is crucial for various reasons. For those who prefer a lighter switch, it allows them to type for extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. However, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience might lean towards switches with heavier forces, as it provides a stronger push feel.
Although the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, its bottom out force is lower than that of the MX Black, suggesting it may have a lighter actuation force as well. This would provide a similar result to the MX Black in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a heavier or lighter feel during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that there is a noticeable difference. The MX Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be the more traditional and deeper option. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. The MX Black provides a more hearty depth, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more abrupt feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize responsiveness, choosing the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel, opting for the MX Black with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Both options offer their own benefits, and the decision should be based on individual preferences.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
The Cherry MX Black switch is best known for its classic textured smoothness and familiar deep sound profile. It has a low-pitched sound, which means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The key feel of the MX Black is textured and stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out. It provides a typing experience with noticeable friction.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its innovation and semi-silent characteristics. It has a subdued sound, producing a dampened sound when pressed. It is not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The key feel of the Semi-Silent Linear is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. It offers a more gentle typing experience with a responsive and fluid keystroke. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Cherry MX Black and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black has a low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel, providing a classic and familiar typing experience. Meanwhile, the Semi-Silent Linear has a subdued sound and a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel, offering an innovative and more gentle typing experience. If you're looking for a switch with a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, the MX Black would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a more dampened and subtle sound signature, along with a gentle and fluid keystroke, the Semi-Silent Linear would be a great option. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy switch with a deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be an excellent choice. It offers a classic typing experience with a low-pitched and mellow sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, a semi-silent and subdued sound, and a mild, snappy, buttery, or polished feel, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is the way to go. It provides a more modern and innovative typing experience, with a sound that is quieter than most switches but still maintains a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities and it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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