Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two great options to consider. The Semi-Silent Linear is widely praised for its innovative design, offering a unique combination of a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel provides a satisfying typing experience without feeling overly polished. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a truly satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance in their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual effects when using either of these switches.
Where the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ in housing materials is in their bottom housings. The Semi-Silent Linear features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Compared to harder plastics, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with this material. This differentiation in bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with the softer nylon providing a more subdued experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
While the top and bottom housings of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue contribute differently to the overall sound profile and typing experience, they both offer unique benefits. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. It's important for users to consider their personal preference for sound and typing feel when selecting switches, as the combination of these materials can greatly affect the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see a few key differences. The actuation force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is not provided, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams. This suggests that the Tourmaline Blue switch requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch.
In terms of bottom out force, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue switch requires slightly more pressure to fully press down compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch.
Considering weight in relation to typing experience, those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch, as it has a lighter actuation force. This would allow for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with its higher bottom out force may be the better choice.
Overall, while there are differences in the actuation force and bottom out force between the two switches, the results in terms of typing experience are likely to be quite similar. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, and the slight variations in force should not drastically impact the overall feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear would be ideal. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper feel. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance may be a better choice. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and the kind of typing or gaming experience one desires.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is best known for its whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This subdued sound profile creates a more subtle and dampened typing experience, suitable for those looking for a quieter keyboard switch. In terms of feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience. The switch's qualities all stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch is described as buttery and polished, meaning it delivers a smooth and refined keystroke with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile for a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. In terms of feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery and easy-to-press. The switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Its easy-to-press nature reduces finger fatigue and enhances the overall typing experience by offering a low-impact and responsive feel.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a subdued and quiet sound profile while delivering a mild and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, providing a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. These switches cater to different preferences and typing needs, allowing users to choose based on their desired sound and feel. However, both switches share the quality of a mild and gentle typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a subdued and more subtle sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. This switch offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It falls into the category of a neutral switch, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments such as home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is the go-to option. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke and falls under the category of a buttery switch, offering a smooth and fluid typing sensation. Additionally, being easy-to-press, this switch requires minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches ultimately depends on your preference for sound and feel. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is excellent for those seeking a more subdued sound, while the Tourmaline Blue switch is perfect for individuals who enjoy a deep and thocky sound with an easy-to-press and gentle typing feel. Consider your needs and preferences when making your decision, and you'll surely find the switch that best suits you.
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