Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX SU both fall under the linear category but offer distinctly different typing experiences that cater to varied preferences. The Semi-Silent Linear is celebrated for its innovative design, providing a unique blend of a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still delivering a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound, making it an excellent option for users who desire a smooth typing experience without excessive noise. Its silky-smooth feel, categorized as subdued and buttery, strikes a balance that many typists and gamers appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX SU features a full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem, delivering a subtly deeper sound profile that's both pleasing and tactile. Although the HMX SU lacks the extensive categorization of the Semi-Silent Linear, its robust construction offers durability and a more substantial feel that some users might find preferable. Overall, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX SU switches, a notable difference lies in their top housings. The Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Furthermore, its translucency makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switch. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing, valued for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. As a softer plastic, nylon dampens sound to a greater extent, resulting in a rounder sound profile but lacking the brightness associated with polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches serve functional purposes, the Semi-Silent Linear favors clarity and brightness, while the HMX SU promotes warmth and depth in sound.
Both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX SU utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which provides consistency in the sound experience when pressing down the switches. The shared characteristic of nylon in both models ensures that users can expect a deep and rich sound profile upon bottoming out. Being a softer material, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, giving both switches a more subdued and rounded auditory result. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, the bottom-out sound and feel remain similar between the two, showcasing the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the typing experience.
In summary, the key contrasts between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX SU come from their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon. This distinction leads to differing sound profiles; the former is geared towards clarity and vibrancy suited for RGB effects, whereas the latter provides a warmer, more subdued auditory experience. However, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will evoke a consistent sound quality when pressed down. Consequently, while the overall sound characteristics may vary, the blend of materials works together within each switch to create unique tactile and auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are notable differences regarding actuation and bottom out forces. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance that could appeal to typists looking for a balanced feel. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. The differences in bottom out forces suggest that the Jwick switch may provide a more substantial typing experience; however, without the specific actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear, a direct comparison cannot be fully established. Overall, the HMX SU is the lighter switch, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is the heavier option, catering to different preferences for typing feel and resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Semi-Silent Linear features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX SU has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. As such, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a bit more depth, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. Conversely, the HMX SU's travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its shorter distance. In traditional contexts, 4.0 mm would be seen as the standard, while both switches remain within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, reflecting the evolving preferences of users. In this case, those who enjoy a more responsive experience might lean towards the HMX SU with its shorter travel distance.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 stands out with its unique “semi-silent” designation, which offers a subtle auditory experience. It features a whisper-quiet topping-out sound that makes it ideal for environments where silence is valued, yet still delivers a clacky bottom-out sound that gives satisfying feedback during typing. This combination results in a subdued and neutral sound profile that suits a variety of settings, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users. Conversely, the HMX SU linear switch's sound profile remains a bit of a mystery, as specific descriptors have not been provided. However, its PA12 housing and T5 stem likely contribute to a deeper, more subtle auditory experience, though without the same conscious design towards a semi-quiet functionality.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch excels with its silky smoothness that doesn’t feel overly polished, allowing for a pleasant typing experience that is both approachable and effortless. The descriptors of mild, snappy, buttery, and polished align with a driving focus on responsiveness and a frictionless key travel, making it appealing for long typing sessions or gaming. The characteristics of the HMX SU switch are not explicitly detailed, creating some uncertainty about its tactile experience. Nevertheless, the choice of high-quality materials could suggest that it offers a decent typing experience, likely falling within a similar range of smoothness and responsiveness, even if specific sensations are unknown.
Overall, while there are distinct qualities that set the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear apart in terms of sound and feel, the HMX SU’s characteristics remain somewhat elusive. If you're prioritizing a quiet typing experience with a balance of satisfying sound, the Semi-Silent Linear is the clearer choice. However, if you are open to exploring what the HMX SU might offer in terms of deeper acoustics and perhaps a similar smooth tactile feel, it could be worth trying out. Ultimately, both options may deliver satisfying results for users, but the chosen switch can significantly impact your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX SU linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a medium actuation force and enjoy a typing experience that balances smoothness with a bit of auditory feedback, the Semi-Silent Linear might be your best bet. Its whisper-quiet topping and clacky bottom-out sound make it excellent for shared spaces, like offices, where you want to minimize noise but still feel engaged in your typing. The silky smooth feel paired with a mild and snappy responsiveness makes it suitable for both casual typing and more involved tasks, such as gaming or programming. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a sound profile that leans towards the subtle and deep, the HMX SU switch could be more to your liking. Its low actuation force is ideal for fast typing or prolonged use, where exhaustion can be a concern. While it offers a relatively gentle keystroke experience, it still retains a noticeable feedback, making it a good choice for those who want a relaxed yet engaging feel when they type. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the balance between noise levels, tactile feedback, and comfort during long typing sessions.
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