Outemu Dustproof Red vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two popular options to consider. The Dustproof Red is best known for its durability and resistance to dust, making it a reliable option for long-term use. Classified as a linear switch, it offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, offering a unique combination of whisper-quiet topping-out sound and clacky bottom-out sound. Categorized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, this switch provides a silky smooth 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
60g
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 Dustproof Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housing material results in a more resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. As such, both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top housing material.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches differ, with the Dustproof Red featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key.
In summary, while both the Outemu Dustproof Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp and resonant sound profile, the nylon bottom housings of each switch offer unique qualities that affect the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the sound profile and feel of the switches will be influenced by both materials, providing a balance of crispness and depth in sound for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Dustproof Red at 60 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams, both falling under the medium range. The actuation force of the Dustproof Red provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Dustproof Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's 3.7 mm. The Dustproof Red offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in a faster response time and may be preferred by gamers or those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and desired typing feel.
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 Dustproof Red 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 Dustproof Red switch is known for a lack of any specific reputation in this aspect, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is praised for its subdued and neutral sound profile. The Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a quieter topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out noise, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch does not have any specific descriptors mentioned, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. These characteristics indicate that the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a gentle typing experience with responsive and smooth key presses. The switch's buttery and polished qualities suggest a seamless and refined typing sensation with reduced friction for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the two switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Dustproof Red switch lacks specific information in these areas, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative semi-silent design and smooth feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and typing feel, choosing between these two switches will result in distinct user experiences with the Semi-Silent Linear switch offering a more refined and quieter typing experience compared to the Dustproof Red switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch or the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a straightforward linear switch with a medium bottom out force and don't mind a standard typing experience, the Dustproof Red may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a more innovative and semi-silent switch that offers a unique sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is worth considering. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and which features matter most to you.
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