Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options that cater to specific preferences and typing styles. Two noteworthy contenders in the linear switch category are the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Twilight. The Semi-Silent Linear is celebrated for its innovative design, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound paired with a satisfying clacky bottom-out, making it ideal for those who desire a smooth typing experience without the loud distractions common in other switches. Its silky feel is further enhanced by subtle characteristics like 'snappy' and 'buttery.' On the other hand, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter sound overall while still preserving the recognizable clack of HMX switches. This makes it a great choice for users who appreciate a more significant actuation distance and the tactile feedback that comes with it. With each switch offering unique advantages, it's essential to consider your typing style and acoustic preferences carefully; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Twilight, a number of differences emerge, particularly evident in their top housings. The Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic results from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a more resonant acoustic experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to generate a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon tends to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder and quieter auditory experience. Consequently, the top housing materials significantly influence the sound signature of each switch, with the Semi-Silent Linear providing a more vibrant resonance and the Twilight yielding a more subdued tone.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Twilight utilize nylon, which offers a similarity that distinguishes their overall sound experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributable to the material's sound-absorbing qualities. This consistency in bottom housing means that when a user presses down on either switch, they can expect a similar tactile and auditory feel, characterized by a rounder bottom-out sound. As such, while the top housings contribute distinctively different qualities to the overall sound profile, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing creates a connection in acoustic experience between the two switches.
Overall, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Twilight leads to a nuanced listening experience. The polycarbonate top of the Semi-Silent Linear imparts a bright clarity, while the nylon top of the Twilight lends a warmer depth. However, because both use nylon in their bottom housings, users will find common ground in the deeper, fuller sound that characterizes both switches when engaged. Therefore, while the housing materials distinctly shape the auditory experience, users can expect some cohesive elements thanks to the shared nylon in the lower sections of both switches, allowing for similar results in terms of bottom-out feel and sound.
Weight
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, influencing their overall typing experience. The Twilight switch features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear lacks specified actuation force data, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. This suggests that once the actuation is reached, users will experience a more pronounced resistance when bottoming out. Meanwhile, the Twilight's bottom out force of 50 grams is lighter than the Semi-Silent's, indicating a more forgiving feel when pressing keys all the way down. Consequently, while the Twilight switch is lighter overall, the Semi-Silent switch may appeal to those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback during typing. Ultimately, those who value a softer keypress and less fatigue should gravitate towards the HMX Twilight, whereas those who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience may find the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is evident that they differ, with the Semi-Silent Linear having a travel distance of 3.7 mm and the Twilight offering a slightly longer distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for those who favor quick key presses, such as gamers. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer the more pronounced feel of deeper keystrokes. While both switches have their merits depending on user preference, the Semi-Silent Linear is suited for those seeking faster response times, while the Twilight caters to individuals who enjoy a more tactile experience.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
In terms of sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch produces a subdued yet neutral sound profile. This means that while it does not offer complete silence, it does provide a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, complemented by a pronounced clacky bottom-out noise. This characteristic makes it suitable for a wide range of environments, from quiet offices to home setups, as it strikes a balance between being discreet and engaging. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch features an extended 3.85mm travel distance that contributes to a slightly quieter sound while also maintaining the signature clacky noise typical of HMX switches. Though the specifics of its sound descriptors are not provided, it generally offers a more muted experience compared to many other switches, making both switches ideally positioned for users who desire less noise without compromising on auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch shines with a combination of mildness, snappiness, and buttery smoothness. Its typing experience is gentle, making it approachable for many users, whether they are beginners or seasoned typists. The snappy nature enhances responsiveness due to likely innovative spring designs, while the buttery and polished textures ensure a fluid keystroke that feels refined and reduces friction. The available information on the HMX Twilight switch does not elaborate on its feel, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in this aspect. However, the stark contrast in travel distance hints that the typing sensation may differ significantly.
In conclusion, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a compelling package with its subdued and neutral sound, paired with a smooth, responsive feel that caters to a variety of users. While the HMX Twilight presents a slightly quieter experience due to its longer travel distance, its specific auditory and tactile characteristics remain unspecified. Therefore, while both switches provide a linear experience, the Semi-Silent is more fleshed out in terms of subjective qualities. However, if users prioritize a quieter operation and decent clacky feedback, the Twilight may serve their needs effectively, and both switches will deliver a pleasant typing experience tailored to different preferences, particularly for those who value sound and feel in their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, your choice depends largely on your preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience. If you prioritize a comfortable middle-ground switch that balances sound and feel, then the Semi-Silent Linear would be an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance typing accuracy, while its subdued sound profile allows for a quieter typing environment—ideal for office settings or shared spaces. Its semi-silent nature means you won't disturb those around you, making it a versatile option for both gaming and work.
On the other hand, if you're looking for an even lighter touch with a greater travel distance, the HMX Twilight switch could be more suited to your needs. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, it offers a more effortless typing experience, which might be particularly appealing for gamers or fast typists who enjoy rapid key presses. While the Twilight also maintains some of that classic clacky sound, its extended travel distance helps to minimize noise levels, potentially making it a better fit for quieter environments. Overall, both switches have unique characteristics, so consider your specific typing habits and environment when making your choice.
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