Outemu Silver vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stand out in their own unique ways. The Silver switch is best known for its absence of a tactile bump and falls under the category of linear switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is highly praised for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound. Categorized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, this switch provides a silky smooth typing experience without feeling overly polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, giving users different options to choose from based on their preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
The Outemu Silver and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. The aesthetic appeal of the clear housing adds a modern and sleek look to the switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Silver uses nylon while the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing affects the overall typing experience, providing a different tactile feel and sound when compared to the top housing material.
Although both switches have differences in their housing materials, the overall typing experience may be quite similar. The qualities of the top and bottom housing materials will impact the sound and feel of the switches in different ways. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This combination of housing materials creates a unique typing experience for each switch, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch reveals some differences. The Outemu Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Semi-Silent Linear has a marginally lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Outemu Silver requires 65 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium range, with the Outemu Silver leaning towards the heavier side. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can impact typing comfort and fatigue levels. Those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Outemu Silver for extended typing sessions, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Semi-Silent Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silver. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch will provide a slightly quicker keypress response compared to the Silver switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Semi-Silent Linear switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel may opt for the Silver switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a good balance between comfort and responsiveness, but the slight difference in travel distance may be a deciding factor for some users.
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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch is known for its standard sound profile, which can be described as average or typical for a linear switch. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is praised for its subdued and neutral sound characteristics. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a quieter and more subtle typing experience compared to the Silver switch, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver switch is known for its unspecified feel, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a gentle typing experience with a responsive and fluid keystroke, thanks to its smooth and refined finish. The typing sensation provided by the Semi-Silent Linear switch is approachable, lively, effortless, and uniform, making it a comfortable choice for various typing needs.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a standard sound profile and unspecified feel, the Outemu Silver switch is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smoother and more refined feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the better option. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so choosing between the two would ultimately depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should choose the Outemu Silver if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are not concerned with sound. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing key feedback, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound when selecting between these two switches.
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