Outemu Blue Jade vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct experiences for users. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying and audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is a linear switch that provides a smoother and quieter typing experience while still offering a noticeable bottom-out sound. The Blue Jade switch is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a traditional mechanical keyboard switch, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is ideal for users seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the smooth feel of a linear switch. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will create a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Blue Jade uses nylon while the Semi-Silent Linear opts for polycarbonate. Nylon in the top housing of the Blue Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate in the Semi-Silent Linear creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear is also beneficial for users who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission and adds a visually appealing aspect to the switch.
In terms of performance, the qualities brought about by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the typing experience when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, contributing to the overall typing sound profile. While the Blue Jade and the Semi-Silent Linear may have similar bottom housings, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the top housing can result in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences for users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that the Blue Jade requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Jade is heavier with 65 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's 62 grams. This means that the Blue Jade offers a lighter initial push but a heavier overall typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more consistent medium feel throughout. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Blue Jade may be the better option. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear might be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 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 slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade. A 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and response of the switch. For those who prefer a faster response time, the Semi-Silent Linear switch may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Blue Jade switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a deeper key press with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its loud and crisp clicky sound that is reminiscent of a typewriter. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued and neutral sound profile. The Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a quieter typing experience with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, making it more suitable for use in environments where loud typing noise may be a concern.
In terms of feel, the Blue Jade switch is known for providing a tactile and clicky typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump and audible click with each press. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and buttery feel that is smooth and effortless, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Snappy characteristic of the Semi-Silent Linear switch also ensures a super responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice for fast typists.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a loud and clicky typing experience, the Outemu Blue Jade switch would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter and more gentle typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the better option. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Ultimately, both switches offer great typing experiences but cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your priorities. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a loud, clicky sound for a satisfying typing experience, then the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smoother, semi-silent typing experience with a moderate bottom out force and a more innovative design, the Semi-Silent Linear may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Consider how you prioritize these factors to determine which switch will best suit your needs.
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