Outemu Silent Grey vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both offer unique features that may cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch known for its quiet yet highly satisfying typing experience, thanks to its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Each switch has its own strengths - the Silent Grey for those seeking a tactile and silent typing experience, and the Semi-Silent Linear for those looking for a smooth and innovative switch. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound and appearance, both the Silent Grey and the Semi-Silent Linear offer a similar experience due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
However, a key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Silent Grey features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar characteristics of a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition.
When considering the overall feel and sound of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials can each have a distinct impact. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Outemu Silent Grey and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the differentiation in their bottom housing materials contributes to variations in the typing experience and sound profile between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Outemu Silent Grey requires a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams as compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Outemu Silent Grey at 65 grams and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams. This means that while the Outemu Silent Grey is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, the overall typing experience in regards to bottoming out will be quite similar between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to whether the user prefers a slightly heavier actuation force for typing or a lighter one for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the standard range of travel distances, with the Silent Grey offering a bit more depth compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. Gamers may lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience may opt for the Outemu Silent Grey for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is best described as providing a quiet and satisfying typing experience without any loud or distracting noise. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its subdued sound profile, offering a dampened and more subtle sound compared to most switches. While the Silent Grey focuses on eliminating noise while maintaining tactility, the Semi-Silent Linear aims to provide a quiet typing experience with a unique sound signature.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. In comparison, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is also labeled as snappy, indicating a super responsive typing feel that makes the typing experience feel more alive. It also features a buttery and polished feel, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, the Silent Grey switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a smooth and gentle typing feel coupled with a subdued sound profile, the Semi-Silent Linear switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent linear switch with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a silky smooth typing feel, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between Outemu Silent Grey and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear will come down to your personal preference for typing experience.
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