Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the TTC Silent Bluish White are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Semi-Silent Linear is hailed for its innovative design, providing a clacky bottom-out sound while maintaining a whisper-quiet topping-out sound. This switch offers a silky smooth type feel that is not over-polished. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a medium tactile feel, giving you a satisfying level of resistance when typing. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. While both switches have their advantages, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the TTC Silent Bluish White both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their top housings.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Bluish White also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both switches will have significant differences in the bottom-out sound and feel, as the bottom housing plays a crucial role in this aspect.
It's important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that while the overall sound profile may be similar between the two switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housings, the feel and sound while typing will differ due to their distinct nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is evident that the two switches have different characteristics. The actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, whereas the Silent Bluish White tactile switch requires 42 grams of force for actuation. This makes the Silent Bluish White switch lighter in terms of actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Semi-Silent Linear switch requires 62 grams of force, which can be considered medium. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter than the Semi-Silent Linear switch.
Considering weight is an important factor for keyboard users, as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Some individuals may prefer a lighter switch, like the Silent Bluish White, as it allows for longer typing sessions without inducing fatigue. This would be ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming.
However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel, a switch with heavier forces, like the Semi-Silent Linear, would be a better choice. The heavier bottom out force can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of durability.
In conclusion, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch differ, both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is evident that they both fall within the range of shorter travel distances. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the TTC Silent Bluish White which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. However, it is important to note that the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear provides a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the TTC Silent Bluish White. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive and slightly shallower feel, the TTC Silent Bluish White would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more hearty and slightly deeper key press, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing a shorter and more efficient 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is best known for its innovative design that combines a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound. It has a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While it's not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. This makes the Semi-Silent Linear switch suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether they plan to use it at home or in a work environment. The type feel of this switch is described as silky smooth, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. It falls into the mild category of switches, offering a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its feel. The Semi-Silent Linear switch can be considered buttery, giving users a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Despite not having specific information on whether it is stepped or polished, users can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch offers a medium tactile feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. It gives users a precise and comfortable typing experience with its mild characteristics. Similar to the Semi-Silent Linear switch, the Silent Bluish Whites are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. These switches have a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The feel of the Silent Bluish White switches is also described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, these switches fall into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. They are also described as stepped, meaning users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding a subtle tactile element to the typing experience. Similar to the Semi-Silent Linear switch, the Silent Bluish Whites are likely polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide a muted sound profile, making them perfect for quiet environments. Additionally, they both fall into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches are also described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. While the information does not explicitly state whether they are polished or stepped, it can be assumed that they share this quality to some extent, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a combination of quiet and comfortable typing experiences, making them suitable for various settings and user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a switch that offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Semi-Silent Linear provides a silky smooth type feel without being overly polished, giving you a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that offers a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch would be a better fit. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. With their medium tactility, you can expect a precise and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you prioritize a subdued and neutral sound profile or a muted and quiet sound, both switches offer a mild and buttery typing experience. Consider your desired bottom out force and the level of tactility you prefer when making your decision. In the end, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are excellent options for anyone seeking a smooth and quiet mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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