Cherry MX Red vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two popular options to compare. The Cherry MX Red is revered for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear's silky smooth type feel and unique sound profile set it apart from traditional linear switches. While the MX Red is known for its 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured' characteristics, the Semi-Silent Linear is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that may appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Cherry MX Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches differ primarily in their top housing composition. The MX Red utilizes nylon for its top housing, creating a softer and more absorbent sound profile that results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This difference in top housing material not only affects the sound produced but also influences the overall feel and typing experience of the switches.
On the other hand, both the MX Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deep and fuller sound profile for both switches. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the switches deliver a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feedback. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite the differences in their top housing material, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a common ground in the overall performance of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches, such as the Cherry MX Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience. The softer and more absorbent nature of nylon in the MX Red's top and bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear creates a sharper and crisper sound. Whether using nylon or polycarbonate, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences and typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that they have different force requirements. The Cherry MX Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a light touch. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch does not specify its actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that while the MX Red is lighter and better suited for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Jwick switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the choice between them ultimately depends on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier key press.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the MX Red being slightly longer. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Semi-Silent Linear a popular choice in that aspect. However, some may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt, leading them to prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Red for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch features a subdued and neutral sound, offering a quieter and more subtle typing experience compared to most switches. The MX Red switch leans towards a deeper and richer sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch focuses on maintaining a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more traditional, deeper sound (MX Red) or a quieter, more neutral sound (Semi-Silent Linear).
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its textured feel, providing users with noticeable friction when typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel, giving a more gentle typing experience with super responsiveness and smooth key travel. The MX Red switch may appeal to those who prefer a textured keypress, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch caters to those who prefer a smoother and more refined typing sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you enjoy a deeper, thocky sound and textured feel, the Cherry MX Red switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more neutral sound and a smooth, buttery feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may better suit your preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer high-quality typing experiences with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a semi-silent sound profile that combines whisper-quiet topping-out with a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
