Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Huano Strawberry Latte certainly stand out as compelling options, each catering to distinct preferences. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is celebrated for its innovative design that strikes a balance between a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a satisfying clacky bottom-out experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a smooth typing feel without excessive noise. It is characterized as subdued and buttery, offering an enjoyable yet subtle feedback that many typists find comforting. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte excels in providing a super smooth typing experience thanks to the latest mold technology, resulting in a balanced sound profile that avoids extremes—it's neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a straightforward and dependable switch that enhances typing enjoyment without drawing too much attention. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Huano Strawberry Latte, there are notable differences in their top housing materials that affect their sound profiles and overall aesthetic appeal. The Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This construction enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, making it particularly effective when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through beautifully. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a top housing made from POK material (polyketone), revered for its smooth tactile feel and superior durability. While the POK material contributes to a clackier sound profile due to its friction properties, it lacks the sharpness that polycarbonate provides. Therefore, users may find the sound characteristics to differ significantly when typing or gaming with these switches.

The bottom housing for both switches is constructed using nylon, a common choice for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound more efficiently than harder plastics, resulting in a warmer typing experience across both models. Since they share the same bottom housing material, the Semi-Silent Linear and Strawberry Latte provide a consistent sound when bottoming out, the deeper tonal quality attributed to nylon yielding a rounder sound. This similarity means that while the top housings dictate the clarity and distinctness of each switch's sound, the unified nylon bottoms ensure a baseline consistency in overall acoustics.

In summary, though the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Huano Strawberry Latte feature different top housing materials—polycarbonate for the former and POK for the latter—they both share a common nylon bottom housing. This shared component allows for a consistent and pleasant typing experience, particularly in terms of depth of sound during bottoming out. The contrasting top materials, however, significantly influence the switches’ top-out acoustics and sensations, leading to diverse user experiences depending on preferences for sound clarity or tactile smoothness. Ultimately, users may appreciate distinct auditory profiles while still enjoying the comforting familiarity of nylon's fullness across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Semi-Silent Linear switch has an actuation force that is unspecified and a bottom-out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force option. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams. This means that the Huano Strawberry Latte is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for users who favor a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the Jwick Semi-Silent, with its higher bottom-out force, may offer users a more substantial typing feel, which is often preferred by those who like a firmer push when typing. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch would likely gravitate towards the Huano Strawberry Latte, while those seeking a more robust experience might consider the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte switch, we see a subtle yet noticeable difference. The Semi-Silent Linear features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry Latte offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch with a bit more depth and feel during your keystrokes, the Semi-Silent Linear would be the preferable option. Conversely, if you lean towards responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, may better suit your needs. While both switches fall into the realm of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the difference of just 0.1 mm can influence the typing experience and should be considered based on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out with its unique acoustic profile. It features a subdued topping-out sound that is quite whisper-quiet, resulting in a typing experience that is less obtrusive compared to standard mechanical switches. While its bottom-out sound remains clacky, it strikes a balance between being noticeable and unobtrusive, which is ideal for shared spaces or when you prefer a less distracting environment. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a balanced sound profile that is neither overly loud nor too muted. This moderation makes it versatile for various settings, whether at home or work, providing a typing experience that won’t draw too much attention but still delivers a satisfying auditory feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Semi-Silent Linear excels in offering a typing experience that is described as silky smooth, yet not excessively polished, allowing for a comforting connection to the key presses. The switch is accompanied by a mild characteristic that results in a gentler typing experience, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. Additionally, its snappy response ensures that every keystroke feels alive and engaging. The buttery and polished attributes further enhance this sensation, as each press glides effortlessly into place with minimal friction. The Strawberry Latte switch, however, does not provide specific descriptors regarding its feel, leaving that aspect somewhat unknown.

Overall, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience paired with a smooth, responsive feel, making it suitable for both casual typing and intensive work. The Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a balanced sound profile but lacks detailed descriptors about its feel. Therefore, individuals looking for similar auditory or tactile experiences between the two switches may find satisfaction with either option, depending on their specific needs for typing behavior and environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you’re looking for a balance of a smooth typing experience with a medium actuation force, along with the ability to be semi-quiet, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is an excellent choice. It provides a dampened sound profile while still allowing for a clacky bottom-out, making it suitable for both office settings and at home, especially if you prefer a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a more pronounced but balanced sound that’s not overly resonant, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be ideal. With its super smooth feel and 45-gram bottom-out force, it's perfect for fast-paced typing scenarios and games where responsiveness and effortless keystrokes are key. In summary, consider your specific needs for sound levels and typing dynamics when choosing between these two remarkable linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more