Kailh Sage vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch. The Sage switches are renowned for offering a distinct clicky typing experience, accompanied by a noticeably heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is hailed as one of the most innovative releases in recent times. It earns its semi-silent label by producing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a silky smooth type feel without feeling overly polished. While these generalities provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, diving deeper into their specific features and qualities will help you make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
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 Kailh Sage and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear have similar housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission. Similarly, the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering comparable sound qualities and aesthetic benefits.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Sage and the Semi-Silent Linear differ. The Sage incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar acoustic characteristics. Thus, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both the Sage and the Semi-Silent Linear users will experience these distinct qualities, ensuring a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. In terms of actuation force, the exact measurement for both switches is unavailable. However, it is important to note that the actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Kailh Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is classified as medium.
Weight considerations are crucial when selecting switches for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for typing for extended periods of time, making them ideal for work keyboards or long gaming sessions. Conversely, others enjoy a stronger push feel, which provides a more substantial typing experience. For those individuals, choosing switches with heavier forces would be more suitable.
In terms of weight, it can be concluded that the Kailh Sage has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch. However, as the actuation force for both switches is unknown, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison. Nevertheless, individuals seeking a medium-heavy bottom out force may find the Kailh Sage clicky switch preferable, while those looking for a slightly lighter typing experience may opt for the medium bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have contrasting travel distances. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Sage switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a deeper key press, the extra 0.1 mm of travel distance offered by the Semi-Silent Linear switch could provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preference for key depth 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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
The Kailh Sage clicky switch is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience. The sound produced by the Sage is described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This switch offers a refreshing sharp clickiness and is considered heavy in terms of weight. When it comes to feel, the Sage is invigorating and provides a pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force. Its sharp tactile bump is prominent and can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is one of the most innovative linear switches available. It is labeled as semi-silent due to its whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The sound produced by the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as subdued, offering a dampened sound when pressed. It falls into the category of neutral switches, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for beginners or advanced users, regardless of whether they are using the switch at home or work.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage provides a crunchy clicky sound and an invigorating, sharp tactile feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch produces a subdued sound and has a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Ultimately, it depends on the personal preference of the user which switch would be the most suitable. However, if a user is looking for a similar result in terms of a more subtle sound and a gentle typing experience, they can consider the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're seeking a distinctive typing experience with a heavier feel, the Kailh Sage clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Sage offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, with a strong and crisp clickiness. Additionally, it produces a crunchy sound when pressed, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and subtle sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be more suitable. This switch provides a mild and snappy typing experience, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. It offers a neutral switch type feel, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users, whether you're using it at home or at work. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Sage and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer unique and desirable qualities.
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