Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out with its innovative design, featuring a silky smooth key feel and a unique audio profile characterized by a whisper-quiet topping-out sound that contrasts with a satisfying, clacky bottom-out. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize a subdued typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness, making it an appealing choice for both office and gaming environments. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a tactile switch experience featuring a pronounced "thock" sound at bottoming out and a discreet topping-out, combining stealth with luxury. Its sharp tactile bump ensures a rewarding feedback with each keystroke, perfect for typists who enjoy a noticeable feel while typing and gaming. While both switches cater to different preferences—one focusing on smoothness and subtlety, the other on tactile feedback and sound profile—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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches exhibit both distinctive characteristics and shared qualities that influence their overall performance and acoustic profile. The Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its high stiffness and clarity, contributing to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend, sometimes called "boba plastic," that is designed to deliver a richer and deeper sound due to its relative softness. This difference signifies that while the Semi-Silent Linear may offer a brighter sound when a key is released, the U4Tx RGB is crafted to provide a fuller and more rounded tonal quality in similar situations, particularly when engaged in RGB environments.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches embrace a softer material that similarly enhances their sound profiles. The Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing naturally absorbs sound and produces a deeper and fuller sound, creating a contrast with the rigidity of its top. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing, also made from the proprietary Gazzew blend, echoes this approach, but with a focus on achieving a consistent soft sound. This contrast in top housing materials shows that the Semi-Silent Linear aims for a defined auditory sharpness while leveraging the bottom housing to round out its acoustic presence, whereas the U4Tx RGB maintains a harmony of softness throughout its structure, giving it a more consistent sound profile across both the top and bottom.
Ultimately, both switches present a unique interplay between their housing materials, influencing how users experience the actuation and release of each key. If one were to utilize both switches in a similar keyboard setup, the differences would be most apparent in the actuation sounds—the Semi-Silent Linear providing crisp clarity, while the U4Tx RGB envelops users in a more rounded auditory experience. However, because both designs incorporate softer materials in their bottom housings, similar acoustic results in terms of fullness can be achieved, enabling enthusiasts to select based on personal preference between brightness and richness while still enjoying a coherent typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, both switches have the same unknown actuation force, making it impossible to draw specific conclusions about how easily they trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch requiring 62 grams of force, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch requires 65 grams. This slight difference indicates that the U4Tx RGB switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, suggesting a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. For users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, the lighter bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear may prove more comfortable. Thus, while both switches share an unknown actuation force, the heavier bottom out of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch may appeal to those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, a subtle difference can be observed. The Semi-Silent Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the U4Tx RGB may be the ideal choice for gamers seeking quicker keypress response times. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a bit more depth due to its longer travel distance, which some users may find preferable for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Semi-Silent Linear is the longer option, providing a heartier feel compared to the more abrupt characteristics of the U4Tx RGB.
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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 stands out with its subdued yet distinct auditory profile. It produces a whisper-quiet topping sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern without sacrificing the tactile feedback upon actuation. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a more subtle sound experience but still want a pronounced bottom-out tone. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a deep "thock" sound when bottoming out, which cultivates a rich auditory experience; however, it also manages a quieter topping out sound. While the U4Tx RGB's sound profile is designed to be refined and luxurious, it does not compromise on the character of the keystroke. Both switches highlight a thoughtful balance between sound and typing context, yet the U4Tx RGB may deliver a slightly more pronounced auditory character compared to the more muted qualities of the Semi-Silent Linear.
When it comes to feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized by its mild and buttery typing sensation. This makes it both approachable and enjoyable for newcomers, as it delivers a gentle yet responsive experience, which encourages long typing sessions without fatigue. Its polished nature further enhances this smooth, effortless experience, making each keystroke feel refined. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is notable for its tactile bump, which provides a sharper feedback compared to the smoother experience of the Semi-Silent Linear. This tactile feedback contributes to a more engaging and interactive typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a noticeable tactile response. However, specific details regarding the tactile qualities of the U4Tx RGB are not detailed, leaving some nuances about its overall feel unknown.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is perfect for those who appreciate a muted sound with a silky smooth feel, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB appeals to users seeking a luxurious typing experience complemented by a satisfying tactile bump and rich sound profile. While their audio and tactile characteristics differ, each switch offers an experience that emphasizes comfort and enjoyment in its own right, allowing users to find satisfaction regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a smooth and silky typing experience with a relatively subdued sound profile, the Semi-Silent Linear is an ideal choice, especially if you are in a shared or quieter setting where noise sensitivity matters. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams makes it approachable for various users, providing a gentle yet responsive feel that works well for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback and a deeper thock sound, particularly if you enjoy a luxurious typing experience with pronounced bumps, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is your go-to. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, it delivers a more substantial response, making it suitable for heavy typists who appreciate auditory and tactile feedback, especially in personal environments where you want to indulge in that satisfying keystroke. In essence, choose the Semi-Silent Linear for subtlety and smoothness, or the U4Tx RGB for a richer tactile and auditory experience.
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