Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Smoothie stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is praised for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound alongside a clacky bottom-out sound. Described as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', this switch provides a silky smooth typing experience without feeling overly polished. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie boasts an all-POM construction that delivers a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky', the Smoothie offers a unique typing experience at an affordable price point. Ultimately, each switch has its own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so diving deeper into their characteristics will help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Smoothie differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Smoothie's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear is also translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Smoothie offers a unique sound experience that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their choice of bottom housing material. The Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the nylon material. Similarly, the Smoothie also uses a POM bottom housing that contributes to the pleasing and unique sound profile of the switch. Both switches benefit from the characteristics of their bottom housing materials, creating a more rounded and dull sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
The combination of different housing materials in the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Smoothie leads to a distinct typing experience for each switch. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Semi-Silent Linear leans towards a crisper and clearer sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Smoothie offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing, providing users with a choice in sound experience based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force vary between the two. The Semi-Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance level, while its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, offering a lighter touch for triggering keystrokes, whereas its bottom out force is not specified. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Smoothie may require less pressure to register a keystroke compared to the Semi-Silent Linear, potentially resulting in a lighter typing experience. However, without the information on the bottom out force for the Smoothie, it is challenging to determine which switch provides a heavier or more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, individuals looking for a lighter touch may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie, while those preferring a medium resistance may opt for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear.
Travel distance
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their fast response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Jwick switch with the longer travel distance may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key feel 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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued and neutral sound profile, creating a dampened yet not completely silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound, offering a deep and satisfying "thud" when pressed. Both switches lean towards providing a more subtle and pleasing sound signature, with the Smoothie switch coming across as slightly more bass-heavy compared to the Semi-Silent Linear.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch boasts a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience, offering a gentle yet responsive feel with smooth and refined key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Smoothie switch provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, emphasizing smoothness, ease of key travel, and a uniform typing experience. Both switches focus on delivering a comfortable and effortless typing feel, with the Semi-Silent Linear leaning towards a more balanced approach while the Smoothie exudes a sense of smoothness and ease.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Smoothie switches offer users a premium and innovative linear switch experience. While the Semi-Silent Linear tends to provide a more neutral sound and a balanced feel, the Gateron Smoothie emphasizes a rich and thocky sound with a silky typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique qualities, ensuring users can enjoy a satisfying and smooth typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a semi-silent experience with a silky smooth feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the way to go. This switch offers a subdued sound profile and a mild typing experience, making it suitable for a variety of users and settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie may be more to your liking. It provides a low-pitched, buttery feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs, ensuring that you choose the switch that best suits your style and requirements.
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