Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is best known for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound. If you're looking for a switch that provides a silky smooth typing experience without being overly polished, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is a great choice. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is perfect for those who require a quieter typing experience. With its cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch is ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. While these general characteristics provide a good starting point, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. While the sound profiles differ slightly, both materials offer a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. Therefore, enthusiasts looking for a switch with a clear housing and superior sound quality can achieve similar results with either option.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Semi-Silent Linear employs a nylon material known for its classic switch housing characteristics. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings 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 Silent Ink Black comes with Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which mirrors the sound profile of its top housing. Both materials offer a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, often described as clacky. While their sound qualities are similar, the Silent Ink Black's blend is specifically designed to enhance this satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound experience.
When comparing the overall sound of these switches, it is important to note that the split between the top and bottom housing materials affects different aspects of the sound profile. Pressing down on a switch emphasizes the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when a key is released. As a result, enthusiasts can expect variations in sound based on which housing material is utilized for each switch. Nonetheless, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer unique and desirable sound profiles that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams. Although we don't have a specific value for the Semi-Silent Linear, it is safe to assume that it falls within a similar range. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams and the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams, making the Silent Ink Black the heavier of the two.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. Both switches offer this advantage to some extent. However, there are also users who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For those individuals, the Silent Ink Black's heavier forces may be more appealing.
In conclusion, while the specific actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, it is likely to be similar to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force, but the Silent Ink Black is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 70 grams. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences, with lighter options being suitable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch, we can see that there is a slight difference between the two. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Gateron option is slightly longer. This means that if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be the more suitable choice for you. However, if you prioritize faster response times and a more immediate key press feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches both offer quieter typing experiences compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches.
In terms of sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch produces a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. While it is not completely silent, it dampens the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as muted, providing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. Both switches are suitable for environments that require quieter typing, although the Semi-Silent Linear switch maintains a clacky bottom-out sound, while the Silent Ink Black switch minimizes audio feedback.
In terms of feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience, complemented by its silky smooth type feel. This switch falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The buttery and polished qualities of the switch ensure a smooth and refined keystroke experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky typing experience with enhanced smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also benefits from a polished finish that results in a sleek typing experience.
Overall, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches excel in providing quieter typing experiences. They offer similar qualities in terms of smoothness, with the Semi-Silent Linear switch having a clacky bottom-out sound and the Silent Ink Black switch offering a pillow-like bottom-out feel. While they may differ slightly in sound and feel, both switches aim to satisfy those in need of a more subdued and quieter typing experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you prioritize a more subtle and dampened sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. With its subdued and neutral sound descriptors, this switch offers a quieter typing experience without being completely silent, making it suitable for various environments. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a mild and snappy feel, offering a gentle typing experience with a touch of responsiveness. Its buttery and polished qualities further enhance the smoothness and seamless typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you require an even quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be a better option. This switch is known for its muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. The Silent Ink Black offers a cushy and pillow-like bottom-out feel, minimizing audio feedback. Its silky and polished characteristics enhance the typing feel by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches will depend on your specific preferences and requirements. If you value a subtle and dampened sound profile with a mild and snappy feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize an even quieter typing experience with a cushy and silky feel, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. Consider your environment, desired sound level, and preferred typing experience when making your decision.
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