Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Sunset Gleam both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design that provides a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, making it an ideal choice for those who need a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying clack of a bottom-out impact. Its silky smooth feel, categorized as subdued yet snappy, strikes a balance between comfort and response, appealing to typists who cherish a comfortable touch without being overly polished. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, captivates users with its expertly blended materials that ensure both a subtle top-out and a pleasingly audible clack, pairing exceptionally well with HMX's renowned factory lubrication. This switch caters to those who seek a more pronounced auditory feedback and a dynamic typing experience. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them based on individual preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Sunset Gleam both feature polycarbonate top housings, which share identical properties and benefits. Polycarbonate is celebrated for its stiffness and translucency, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both crisp and resonant. This characteristic not only enhances the auditory experience by providing clear acoustics but also offers aesthetic advantages when RGB lighting is incorporated. In both switches, the top housing's polycarbonate material facilitates stunning light diffusion, creating vibrant and visually appealing displays that are particularly sought after by gamers and custom keyboard enthusiasts alike.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Semi-Silent Linear and Sunset Gleam are made from nylon, resulting in a total alignment in sound profile when engaging with these switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, which leads to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This material contributes to a more rounded sound and feel, enriching the overall tactile experience during pressing and bottom-out actions. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a profound consistency in the sound produced while typing, leading to a satisfying experience that caters to both comfort and acoustic enjoyment.
The combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and HMX Sunset Gleam allows for a harmonious blend of sound characteristics. While the top housings contribute a clear and bright sound upon releasing the keys, the nylon bottoms create a soft backdrop that captures those sharper notes, resulting in a diverse yet cohesive sound profile. Therefore, even though factors such as aesthetics may vary due to design choices, users will find that both switches offer a similar typing experience, characterized by a balanced interplay of sharper highs from the top and rounder lows from the bottom. This consistency ensures user satisfaction whether one opts for the Jwick or the HMX model.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, a considerable difference is evident in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unknown actuation force but features a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This indicates that the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The heavier bottom out force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, the Sunset Gleam provides a lighter experience with its known actuation force compared to the unknown actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch.
Travel distance
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offer distinct travel distances that cater to different user preferences. The Semi-Silent Linear boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sunset Gleam features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more substantial keypress experience, which might appeal to users who appreciate a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam's shorter travel distance may benefit gamers seeking quicker response times due to the less distance their fingers must travel. Thus, while both switches offer linear smoothness, the Semi-Silent Linear is the longer option, making it potentially more desirable for those who prioritize a deeper keystroke, whereas the Sunset Gleam caters to those who prefer enhanced responsiveness 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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, the Semi-Silent Linear presents a unique auditory experience characterized by a subdued top-out sound paired with a distinctively clacky bottom-out. This balance produces a typing sound that is quieter than many traditional mechanical switches, making it suitable for shared environments where discretion is valued. In contrast, the sound signature of the Sunset Gleam is not explicitly defined here, but given its description as a blend of materials aimed at creating a subtle top-out with a satisfying clack, it suggests a lively yet restrained auditory experience, likely not as muted as the Semi-Silent.
In terms of feel, the Semi-Silent Linear excels with a smoothness that is often described as silky. The switch delivers a typing experience that is both mild and snappy, making keystrokes feel responsive and engaging without being overwhelming. The buttery nature of the switch enhances the fluidity of each keystroke, while a polished finish contributes to a refined touch. On the other hand, the physical characteristics of the Sunset Gleam are not specified, but it is expected to offer an enjoyable tactile feedback similar to the Semi-Silent, given that it also aims for a satisfying typing feel through its design.
Considering both switches, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and HMX Sunset Gleam offer distinct yet potentially comparable experiences. While the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more muted auditory experience and a refined, smooth tactile feedback, the Sunset Gleam aims for a combination of subtlety and liveliness in both sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Semi-Silent might be the better choice, whereas the Sunset Gleam might appeal if you desire a bit more auditory engagement while typing. Ultimately, both switches cater to users who appreciate quality in mechanical keyboards, promoting a pleasurable experience regardless of individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you seek a balanced typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Semi-Silent Linear is an excellent option for both casual and professional settings. Its subdued sound profile ensures that you won’t disturb others, yet it still delivers a clacky bottom-out sound for those who appreciate some auditory feedback. It’s particularly suitable for environments that require discretion without sacrificing satisfying feel, thanks to its silky smooth and mildly polished typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, the HMX Sunset Gleam may be your ideal choice. This switch offers a perfect blend of characteristics that cater to a more energetic typing style, thanks to its snappy responsiveness and subtle clack. The excellent factory lube enhances its buttery feel, making it a joy for extended typing sessions, especially if you’re gaming or engaging in fast-paced interactions. Therefore, consider your typing habits, the noise levels appropriate for your surroundings, and your preference for switch feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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