Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown 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 Crystal Brown and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, known for its responsiveness and categorized as a tactile switch. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative semi-silent design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. It is classified as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. While the Crystal Brown provides tactile feedback for a more pronounced typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear offers smoother and quieter operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
The Outemu Crystal Brown and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This results in a clear and resonant sound profile that is especially beneficial if using RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may offer slightly different sound profiles based on other factors such as stem material or internal dampening.
On the other hand, the Crystal Brown and Semi-Silent Linear differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Crystal Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear also uses a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar sound profile that is duller and rounder compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will influence different aspects of the key press. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Crystal Brown and Semi-Silent Linear, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profiles based on the shared use of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Semi-Silent Linear is heavier at 62 grams, while the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Crystal Brown, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear. Both switches provide a medium typing experience overall, with the Crystal Brown being slightly lighter in terms of force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Crystal Brown offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a bit more depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether you prefer a more traditional feel or a quicker response. Both switches provide a solid typing experience, and will deliver similar results in terms of durability and performance.
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 Crystal 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 Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for its yet undeclared sound profile, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a subdued and neutral sound experience. The Crystal Brown's sound signature will depend on the keyboard and keycaps used, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, creating a unique and more subtle auditory experience. Both switches offer different sound characteristics that can cater to various preferences, with the Crystal Brown providing an unknown sound profile and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a semi-silent and neutral sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specified feel, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. The Crystal Brown's feel is left to personal interpretation, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a gentle typing experience that is responsive and smooth, providing a uniform and polished typing sensation. Both switches present different tactile feedback and characteristics, catering to those who prefer a more moderate and approachable typing experience with the Semi-Silent Linear, or those seeking an ambiguous tactile feel with the Crystal Brown.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Brown's sound and feel remain unspecified, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a subdued and clacky sound profile accompanied by a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Crystal Brown allowing for individual interpretation and the Semi-Silent Linear delivering a unique and innovative typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the unknown qualities of the Crystal Brown or the semi-silent and smooth feel of the Semi-Silent Linear for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch or the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile typing experience without any particular standout features, the Crystal Brown may be the right choice for you. However, if you value a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, smooth linear feel, and innovative design, the Semi-Silent Linear switch might be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
