Bsun Olive vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Olive and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct experiences for users. The BSUN Olive switches are tactile switches known for their resonant and deep sound, making typing a truly satisfying experience. With pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, these switches are perfect for those who enjoy a more invigorating and sharp typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are linear switches that provide a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Offering a silky smooth feel without being overly polished, these switches are ideal for those who prefer a more subdued and buttery typing experience. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both use unique housing materials to achieve distinct sound profiles. The Olive's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Semi-Silent Linear gives it a more resonant and clear sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Olive's POM bottom housing also contributes to the deep and unique sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer properties.
In terms of housing materials, the Bsun Olive and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer contrasting experiences. The POM top housing of the Olive provides a pleasing and muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the Nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Olive's POM bottom housing. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences for users looking for specific sound profiles in their switches.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Bsun Olive and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch allow users to experience varying sound profiles in different aspects of typing. While the Olive offers a more muted and deeper sound overall due to its POM housing, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a crisper and sharper sound with its polycarbonate housing. Ultimately, whether you prefer a unique and deep sound like the Olive or a sharp and clear sound like the Semi-Silent Linear, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are a few key differences. The Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Semi-Silent Linear which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Olive requires 65 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Olive slightly heavier overall. It's worth noting that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. Choosing between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing or a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Olive being lighter and the Semi-Silent Linear being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Semi-Silent Linear has a longer travel distance compared to the Olive switch. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, which can provide a quicker response time, making them ideal for gamers. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Olive switch more abrupt and may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 BSUN Olive tactile switch offers a resonant and deep sound that is distinctive and satisfying to the user. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as having a subdued sound profile, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. While the Olive provides a more pronounced auditory experience, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more subtle and quiet typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the BSUN Olive tactile switch is praised for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a snappy and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience, with a smooth and gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a snappy typing experience, with the Olive being more intense and the Semi-Silent Linear being more gentle and fluid.
In conclusion, while the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The Olive stands out with its deep and resonant sound, as well as its sharp tactile feedback, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a quiet and smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver excellent results for users seeking a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique design that provides a pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience, the Olive switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a silky smooth feel and a clacky bottom-out sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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