Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus each offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design that features a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, combined with a more pronounced clacky bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for those who want to balance between a subdued typing noise and a satisfying auditory experience. Its silky smooth feel, categorized as 'Subdued' and 'Buttery', provides a comfortable typing experience without being overly polished, appealing to both casual typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed and efficiency, boasting an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, which caters specifically to gamers looking for rapid-fire inputs. With its bright, clacky sound profile and ultra-smooth push feel, this switch can enhance gaming performance by delivering quick responses and satisfying feedback. While both switches have their unique characteristics catering to various needs, choosing between them ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. However, 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus, one immediately notices a distinct divergence in the choice of materials for the top housings. The Semi-Silent Linear utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is celebrated for its rigidity and translucency, creating a brighter and more resonant sound profile. Its sharper audio characteristics complement the RGB lighting, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and auditory experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus opts for a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its softer, more muted sound. This choice results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, with an emphasis on warmth and roundness. Therefore, while both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, the impact on sound and performance diverges significantly due to the differing top housing materials.
Despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings, both the Semi-Silent Linear and Vintage Citrus share the same composition in their bottom housings: nylon. This commonality introduces a level of consistency in the typing experience, as both switches benefit from the noise absorption properties of nylon, resulting in a fuller sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing effectively dampens sound, promoting a deep resonance that enhances the keystroke experience regardless of the top housing's material. This similarity in bottom housings means that while the top housing influences the sound profile during key release, both switches still deliver a rich tactile experience with a similar tonal quality when pressed down.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials yield unique sound profiles for both switches, while a shared foundation in nylon bottom housing ensures that certain auditory characteristics remain consistent. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear’s polycarbonate top offers a foreground of clarity and sharpness, ideal for users seeking a crisper sound alongside vibrant lighting effects. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus provides a nostalgic touch with its nylon top, delivering a more subdued experience, reminiscent of classic mechanical switches. Despite these differences, users can still expect a satisfying and deep typing experience due to the nylon bottom housing, proving that even within varied sound profiles, quality and satisfaction can coexist.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unspecified actuation force, which makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons in that regard. However, it features a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, described as medium-light. Consequently, the Vintage Citrus switch is the lighter of the two, making it better suited for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. Meanwhile, the heavier bottom out force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch may appeal to those who prefer a stronger tactile feel while typing. Overall, while the lack of information on the actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear switch leaves some ambiguity, the defined metrics suggest that typists may prefer the lighter Vintage Citrus for comfortable long-term use.
Travel distance
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear offers a deeper feel when pressed, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile and hearty experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus's shorter travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it an ideal choice for gamers or those who prefer a snappier feel. While both switches cater to different preferences in terms of depth and responsiveness, those who lean towards shorter travel distances will benefit more from the Vintage Citrus, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear might be better suited for users seeking a more pronounced keystroke.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 offers a sound profile that is characterized by a unique combination of a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clackier bottom-out sound. This subdued auditory signature makes it suitable for environments where noise is a consideration, providing a pleasant middle ground that doesn't overwhelm yet still delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with a bright and clacky sound profile, ideal for gamers who appreciate an audible response to their key presses. While the Semi-Silent Linear is more about subtlety, the Vintage Citrus leans heavily into the dynamics of sound, creating a clear distinction between the two in terms of audio feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Semi-Silent Linear presents a typing experience that is both smooth and responsive. The switch is described as having a mild, snappy quality, offering just the right amount of tactile feedback without becoming overwhelming. This makes it approachable for all users, regardless of experience. The buttery and polished characteristics further signal a refined keystroke experience, where each press is effortless and refined. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for speed with a low actuation force, providing an exceptionally snappy feel that promotes rapid inputs, showing a focus on quick-response gaming applications. However, specific descriptors for the feel of the Vintage Citrus aren't provided, leaving some ambiguity in comparison.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Semi-Silent emphasizes a whisper-quiet operation with a smooth feel that balances approachability and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus focuses on speed and vibrant sound, appealing particularly to gamers seeking quick actuation. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on whether one prioritizes a quieter, more refined typing experience or a lively, dynamic engagement with a focus on rapid-fire inputs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, consider your primary usage scenarios and preferences. If you value a balanced typing experience with a moderately weighted feel, the Semi-Silent Linear is an excellent choice, especially in environments where you want to minimize noise while still enjoying a pleasant tactile feedback. The smooth, buttery touch and subdued sound profile make it suitable for both typing and gaming, allowing for extended use without fatigue. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking swift actuation and rapid response times, the Vintage Citrus might be your go-to option. Its lightweight switch with a quick actuation distance and bright, clacky sound is designed specifically for fast-paced gaming, offering a snappy feel that enhances performance. In essence, choose the Semi-Silent Linear for a versatile and quieter experience, while the Vintage Citrus is ideal for those who prioritize speed and an energetic sound.
Mentioned in this article
