Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two popular options with unique characteristics. The MX Speed Silver is revered for its lightning-fast response time, making it a top choice for gamers seeking every possible advantage in competitive play. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design that combines whisper-quiet top-out sounds with a satisfyingly clacky bottom-out sound. While the MX Speed Silver is described as textured, thocky, and low-pitched, the Semi-Silent Linear is characterized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. Each switch offers distinct benefits, but ultimately the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and specific needs. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 main difference between the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches lies in the top housing material. The MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material impacts the overall sound experience when typing on these switches, with the MX Speed Silver offering a more muted sound compared to the clearer and more resonant sound of the Semi-Silent Linear.
Both the MX Speed Silver and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches use nylon for their bottom housing material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The similarity in bottom housing materials between these two switches means that they share a common quality in terms of the sound profile generated when typing. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a comparable typing experience in terms of the depth and roundness of the sound produced by both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material for switches, whether nylon or polycarbonate, can have a significant impact on the sound profile and feel when typing. While the MX Speed Silver and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches differ in their top housing material, they both offer a deep and full sound profile due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing. Whether you prefer a softer, more muted sound profile with the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing or a sharper, more resonant sound profile with the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are clear differences. The MX Speed Silver has a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force. This means that the MX Speed Silver will require less force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Semi-Silent Linear is heavier with 62 grams compared to the MX Speed Silver's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, or a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7mm. In terms of travel distance, the MX Speed Silver offers a shorter distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the MX Speed Silver due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding keypress feel and speed of response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying sound with a bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued and neutral sound profile, dampening the sound when pressed for a more subtle typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Speed Silver delivering a more pronounced and impactful sound while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a quieter and more understated typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its textured feel, adding a noticeable friction when pressed which some users may prefer for tactile feedback. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel, creating a gentle typing experience with super responsiveness, smooth keystroke sensation, and reduced friction for effortless typing. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Speed Silver offering a more textured feel and the Semi-Silent Linear delivering a smoother and more refined typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both aim to provide users with a premium typing experience. Whether you prefer a quick and tactile response with a deep thocky sound like the Speed Silver or a quiet and smooth typing experience with a subdued sound like the Semi-Silent Linear, both switches offer high-quality performance to meet the demands of various users. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value speed and instant response, the MX Speed Silver is the way to go, especially for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience without sacrificing key feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a silky smooth and innovative semi-silent operation. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a quiet and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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