Outemu Purple vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Purple and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Outemu Purple switch is a tactile switch known for its precise feedback and satisfying tactile bump. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is a linear switch that offers a unique semi-silent experience with whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. While the Purple switch provides a tactile typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a smooth and quiet 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Purple and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them both ideal choices for switches if you plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the passage of light. However, despite this similarity in material, the Outemu Purple and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear may have slight differences in sound profile due to variations in design or manufacturing processes.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Outemu Purple utilizes nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar acoustic benefits. Both switches will exhibit a rounder and duller sound due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. This means that when typing on either switch, users can enjoy a quieter, more muted sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings.
When considering the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role. The Outemu Purple and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches showcase how the qualities of their respective housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows for a nuanced typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences based on the combination of housing materials used in a switch.
Weight
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Jwick switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the Purple switch is unavailable. This means that the Purple switch may feel easier to type on initially, but the Jwick switch will provide a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the weight of force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Purple switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for faster response times. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances and should provide a comfortable typing experience for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keyboard feel and responsiveness.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch is known for its unique clicky sound that many enthusiasts enjoy. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as having a subdued and neutral sound profile, offering a more subtle and quiet typing experience. While the Purple switch provides a more pronounced and traditional clicky sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound for those who prefer a quieter experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple switch is known for its tactile bump and feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as offering a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more gentle, responsive, smooth, and refined typing sensation, appealing to a wide range of users with its approachable qualities and super responsive feel.
Overall, the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple switch provides a traditional clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued and quiet typing experience with a smooth and responsive feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for different users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience, the Purple switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a moderate bottom out force, a semi-silent typing experience that is both quiet and satisfying, and a switch that offers a smooth and responsive feel, then the Semi-Silent Linear switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
