Outemu Brown vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown 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 Brown, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch. The Outemu Brown switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Brown switch falls into the tactile category, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch is categorized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that 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
53g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that they will both produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the differences may lie in the way the polycarbonate top housing interacts with the other components of the switch.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material differs between the two switches, with the Brown using nylon and the Semi-Silent Linear also adopting nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, giving each switch a unique typing experience.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will have more impact on the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the two housings can create a balanced typing experience that incorporates the unique characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are some noticeable differences. The Outemu Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Semi-Silent Linear is 62 grams, which is lighter than the 65 grams required for the Outemu Brown. This means that the Outemu Brown provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a lighter touch. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.7mm travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch. This means that the Outemu Brown switch has a slightly longer key travel compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch. The longer travel distance of the Outemu Brown switch may provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience, while the shorter travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may appeal to those seeking a quicker response time. In general, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key travel distance and typing experience.
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 Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Brown switch is commonly known for its moderate sound profile, providing a satisfying click with each key press. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is praised for its subdued and neutral sound characteristics, offering a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feedback. Both switches have their own unique sound signatures, with the Brown switch being more traditional and clicky, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a quieter and more subtle typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Brown switch is recognized for its tactile bump, providing a noticeable feedback when typing. The Semi-Silent Linear switch, however, boasts a silky smooth feel that is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. This means that the Jwick switch offers a gentle and responsive typing experience, with a smooth and consistent keystroke that is pleasant to the touch. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Brown switch focusing more on the tactile bump, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch prioritizes a smooth and responsive keystroke.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brown switch is known for its satisfying click and tactile bump, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its quiet topping-out sound and smooth typing experience. Depending on your preference for typing sound and feel, you can choose between the traditional clicky feel of the Brown switch or the quiet and smooth typing experience of the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, and regardless of your choice, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of key press actuation and overall performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier actuation force and a traditional typing experience, the Outemu Brown may be the better choice for you. However, if you value a smooth and quiet typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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