Cherry MX Orange vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cherry MX Orange, a revival of the original MX Orange switches, combines reliability with a smooth typing feel, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who appreciate consistency and tactile feedback without the traditional click of a tactile switch. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out with its innovative design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while preserving a satisfying clacky bottom-out, ideal for those who seek a muted environment without sacrificing the tactile joy of typing. With its combination of subdued and silky-smooth characteristics, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear appeals to users in shared spaces or quiet offices. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your preferred typing experience—whether you prioritize the mechanical heritage and reliability of the MX Orange, or the modern innovation and noise reduction of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange switches and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, distinct differences arise, particularly in the compositions of their top housings. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, renowned for its sound-dampening qualities. This softer plastic absorbs vibrations, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which caters to a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear topping its switch with polycarbonate produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances resonance, producing a clear and crisp auditory feedback that contrasts substantially with the MX Orange’s underlying timbre. This fundamental difference in top housing materials shapes the user experience, suggesting that typing on these switches will yield markedly different auditory outcomes.

However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating common ground in sound profile between them. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound characteristic shared by both switches. By possessing the same bottom housing material, the MX Orange and the Semi-Silent Linear deliver a similar experience during key press bottoming out, highlighting how certain qualities can persist regardless of the differing top housing materials. Therefore, while the experience during the key release may contrast due to the different top materials, the bottom-out sounds during key presses share a synergy that can appeal to users who appreciate the comforting thump of nylon’s acoustic properties.

Ultimately, the housing materials play crucial roles in defining the acoustic qualities and tactile experiences of each switch. The Cherry MX Orange’s nylon top contributes to its muted sound profile, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear’s polycarbonate top allows for a sharper auditory experience. Meanwhile, the shared nylon bottom housing reassures that both switches deliver a satisfying bottoming-out feel. Users seeking a deeper sound may prefer the MX Orange, while those desiring clarity and crispness could gravitate toward the Semi-Silent Linear. Despite their differences, the overlap in material used for the bottom housing ensures that both switches can create a compelling user experience in terms of tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange features an actuation force of 55 grams; however, its bottom out force remains unspecified, making it difficult to assess how it feels when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium. Because of this unknown actuation force for the Jwick switch, direct comparisons are challenging. Nonetheless, based on available data, it's clear that the Cherry MX Orange is the lighter switch at 55 grams, which may lead to less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, having a heavier bottom out force, may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, we see notable differences in their travel distances. The Cherry MX Orange boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. For gamers or those who favor faster response times, the shorter 3.7 mm distance of the Semi-Silent Linear switch might be more appealing for its quick actuation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange with its traditional 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper feel, which some users may prefer for its more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch's character is somewhat undefined without specific descriptors provided. However, users can expect it to produce a familiar mechanical keystroke sound typical of Cherry's renowned line. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, on the other hand, offers a more nuanced auditory experience. It is characterized by a subdued sound when pressed, leading to a less intrusive typing environment. Although it is not entirely silent, its whisper-quiet topping-out sound combined with a clacky bottom-out provides a unique balance, making it suitable for both office environments and home use without causing excessive distraction.

When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange is again not detailed, but it likely follows the heritage of Cherry switches, providing a reliable and steady typing experience that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear flaunts multiple tactile qualities. It provides a mild touch that is gentle and approachable, ensuring comfort for those new to mechanical keyboards. Additionally, it is snappy and responsive, likely due to its careful spring design. This enhances the user experience, making every keystroke feel alive. Its buttery smoothness and polished finish further contribute to a fluid keystroke experience, ensuring effortless and sleek typing that many enthusiasts cherish.

In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a classic and reliable typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear brings modern innovation to the table with its unique sound and tactile qualities. Both can cater to a variety of users, but the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more versatile experience that balances quiet operation with satisfying feedback. If you enjoy subdued sound and a smooth feel, the Semi-Silent Linear might be the better choice. However, if you prefer the traditional characteristics of Cherry switches, the MX Orange will also deliver a dependable performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Orange and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you prioritizing nostalgia combined with a smooth typing experience, the MX Orange switch could be your go-to. Its classic design brings a satisfying feel without the distraction of loud sound, which is ideal if you work in a quieter environment or simply prefer a more subdued audio profile. On the other hand, if you are looking for a modern, innovative switch with a unique sound signature, the Semi-Silent Linear is likely more suited to your needs. With its whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out experience, it strikes a balance that caters well to both gaming and typing, making it an excellent choice for diverse tasks. Additionally, its medium bottom-out force provides a responsive yet manageable feel, perfect for users who want snappiness without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, reflect on what you value more in your typing experience: the nostalgic charm of the Cherry MX Orange or the forward-thinking design of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, and let that guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more