Outemu Blue vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative semi-silent design, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience with a subtle bottom-out sound. The Blue switch is categorized as providing a more pronounced and tactile typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch is categorized as offering a subdued, neutral, and buttery feel. Both switches have their unique appeal, but ultimately, the choice between them will depend on your personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Outemu Blue and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, their nylon bottom housings differ in sound profile. The Blue's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing also elicits a deeper and fuller sound but with a slightly different feel and impact.
Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both the Outemu Blue and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material. This means that users can expect a similar sound profile when pressing down on the keys and experiencing the sharp, higher-pitched tones produced by the polycarbonate material. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to the clear, resonant sound profile, while the translucency allows for RGB lighting effects to enhance the overall aesthetic of the switches. This shared characteristic provides consistency in sound and feel for both switches, regardless of the variations in their bottom housing materials.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall sound profile and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the differences in housing materials between the top and bottom of switches like the Outemu Blue and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear contribute to a unique typing experience for users, with each material bringing its own qualities to the sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the Blue switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Meanwhile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Blue switch providing a lighter typing feel and the Semi-Silent Linear switch offering a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Blue switch offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch falls on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear for faster response times, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Outemu Blue. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key travel, with the Blue switch providing a slightly longer distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two 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 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 clicky switch is known for its classic and crisp clicky sound that many enthusiasts love. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience while still maintaining a satisfying clack at the bottom-out. The Semi-Silent Linear's innovative design allows for a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, making it a great option for those seeking a more subtle typing sound without sacrificing tactile feedback. Ultimately, the sound of both switches will be influenced by the overall keyboard setup, including the case and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its tactile feedback and audible click, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy the feel of a clicky switch. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a silky smooth typing feel that is not overly polished, striking a balance between comfort and responsiveness. With qualities like being mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a gentle and responsive typing experience that caters to a wide range of users, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users alike.
Overall, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Blue switch provides a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience with innovative design features. Whether you prefer the audible click of the Blue switch or the semi-silent operation of the Jwick switch, both options provide a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall keyboard setup. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a tactile and clicky typing experience with no bottom out force, then the Outemu Blue clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent and smooth linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be more suitable for you. Both switches have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
