Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Bsun Taichi offer distinct characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is celebrated for its innovative design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound that appeals to those who seek a discreet typing experience, combined with a clacky bottom-out sound that maintains a satisfying auditory feedback. Its silky smooth actuation provides a typing feel that is subdued yet snappy, striking a perfect balance for users who desire both comfort and responsiveness. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch captivates with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, a result of its long-pole stem and extended springs, which contribute to an overall experience of remarkable smoothness and stability that many gaming and typing enthusiasts crave. While each switch presents unique advantages—whether you prefer the understated elegance of the Semi-Silent Linear or the lively auditory excitement of the Taichi—it's essential to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Bsun Taichi, a striking similarity stands out: both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This shared material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in each switch. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for creating an aesthetically pleasing effect, especially when RGB lighting is involved. The translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively, which can create a visually appealing setup. As a result, users can expect a consistent auditory and visual experience from either switch, enriching their mechanical keyboard experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a traditional choice for switch construction. The characteristic of nylon as a softer plastic leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding a rounder quality to the sound produced when typing. The damping effect of nylon absorbs more sound than harder materials, contributing to a well-rounded auditory experience. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that both the Semi-Silent Linear and the Taichi will deliver a satisfying sound profile when bottoming out. Consequently, users will find that both switches produce a sound that engages the senses while typing, further enhancing functionality and pleasure during use.
Although the two switches contain the same materials in both their top and bottom housings, the overall feel and performance will still depend on factors such as the switch design and actuation mechanism. Even though both share the same polycarbonate and nylon compositions, the way user experience variability is shaped through the combination of the top and bottom housing's materials might yield slightly distinct feel characteristics. Ultimately, anyone opting for either the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear or the Bsun Taichi can anticipate an immersive typing experience with a clear resonance from the top and a full-bodied sound from the bottom, making either choice equally compelling for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we notice some differences in their actuation forces, which can impact typing experience. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter and potentially more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unknown, which means we can't fully assess its resistance at the bottom of the key press. Users who enjoy a more substantial feel in their typing experience may lean towards the Jwick switch, while those who prefer a lighter actuation should consider the Bsun Taichi. Overall, given the varying actuation and bottom out forces, each switch caters to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Taichi features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Taichi switch offers a more responsive feel for gamers or users who favor quicker actuation, as the shorter travel distance can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may find the Semi-Silent Linear’s travel distance of 3.7 mm more satisfying, as it provides a fuller experience while typing. Thus, the Semi-Silent Linear is the longer option, making it potentially more suitable for users who appreciate a more pronounced key travel.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 sound profile of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch exhibits a unique blend of attributes. While it is not entirely silent, it offers a subtly subdued topping-out sound that contributes to a more tranquil typing experience. The clacky bottom-out sound remains prominent, creating a satisfying auditory feedback during use without being overly loud. This makes it particularly suitable for both home and office environments where a balance of sound is preferred. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is characterized by its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is the result of its long-pole stem and extended springs. However, specific descriptors regarding the Taichi's overall sound profile aren’t provided, making direct comparisons difficult.
When it comes to feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch delivers a typing experience that is silky smooth yet not excessively polished, appealing to a broad range of users. Its characteristics include a mild and approachable typing experience, enhanced by snappy responsiveness due to its effective spring design, which contributes to a lively feel. The buttery and polished sensations further elevate the typing experience, resulting in a seamless and refined key travel. Unfortunately, concrete details regarding the feel of the Taichi switch are not available, so a direct comparison cannot be established based on the available information.
In summary, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out with its subdued yet engaging sound, along with a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it a versatile choice for various users. The Bsun Taichi linear switch ensures a unique auditory appeal with its high-pitched bottom-out sound; however, the lack of detailed information about its feel leaves some uncertainty. Both switches cater to different preferences, and while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a well-rounded experience, the Taichi may attract users seeking distinct auditory characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on individual priorities regarding sound and tactile responsiveness.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your preferences and usage scenarios will guide your decision. If you're seeking a versatile switch that combines a moderate typing force with a subdued sound profile, the Semi-Silent Linear is an excellent choice. This switch is ideally suited for environments where noise levels matter, such as offices or shared spaces, thanks to its whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still providing a satisfying clacky bottom-out sensation. Its smooth and buttery feel also makes it approachable for beginners, while the snappy responsiveness can cater to more seasoned typists who appreciate a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you desire a more exhilarating auditory experience with an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, the Bsun Taichi linear switch will be your go-to option. Particularly appealing to keyboard enthusiasts, the Taichi excels in delivering unparalleled smoothness and stability, making it perfect for those who focus on performance and the joy of keystrokes above all else. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a subdued yet satisfying typing experience—or the allure of a vibrant auditory feedback that the Taichi offers.
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