Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness often hinges on personal preference and typing style. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is celebrated for its innovative design that features a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still delivering a satisfyingly clacky bottom-out impact, making it ideal for users seeking a smooth typing experience with minimal noise disruption. Its categorized feel—subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished—appeals to those who desire a refined tactile response without excessive feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a delightful tactile sensation, boasting a moderate tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Its balanced sound profile enhances the experience, creating a harmonious typing atmosphere. Choosing the Semi-Silent Linear could be ideal for quiet settings where discretion is key, while the Weightlessness may appeal to gamers and typists who appreciate the engagement of tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, a distinct contrast arises between their top housings. The Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality is largely due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which promotes clearer resonance. Its translucency adds aesthetic value, particularly for setups with RGB lighting, allowing for an engaging visual experience alongside its acoustic properties. Conversely, the Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted sound delivery. This fundamental difference in material composition greatly influences the auditory experience when typing on each switch.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to similarities in some aspects of their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper sound characteristic, as it effectively absorbs sound and results in a duller, rounder tone. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housings means that users can expect a comparable bottom-out sound and feel in both switches when pressed down, despite how the differing top housings can influence the overall sound experience. Therefore, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the tactile feedback and auditory result when bottoming out the keys.
In essence, while the Semi-Silent Linear and Gateron Weightlessness switches exhibit pronounced differences due to the materials used in their top housings—polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—their bottom housings unify their acoustic character. The choice of nylon for both switches in the bottom housing means that users can anticipate a similar auditory depth and full-bodied sound when actuating either switch. So while the aesthetics and auditory profiles during key release will vary, the foundational aspects contributed by the nylon bottom housing provide a common thread that ties these two switch types together, highlighting the importance of housing materials in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Semi-Silent Linear switch does not disclose an actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness boasts an actuation force of 50 grams, illustrating that it is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. However, information regarding the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is unavailable. The Semi-Silent Linear switch’s heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while those who favor a lighter touch would likely gravitate towards the Gateron Weightlessness, even without its bottom out force being known.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Semi-Silent Linear boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, whereas the Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. For those who favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times, the Weightlessness would be the more appealing option. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more considerable depth, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a fuller tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, if one seeks a snappier feel, the Gateron Weightlessness is the choice, while those who appreciate more resistance and depth may gravitate towards the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch delivers a unique auditory experience. It is characterized as subdued, producing a dampened sound during actuation, which makes it less distracting in quieter environments. Although it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound profile compared to many other mechanical switches, with its clacky bottom-out sound ensuring that you feel the satisfaction of each keystroke without being overly disruptive. In contrast, details about the sound profile of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch are not specified, leaving a gap in understanding how it stacks up against other switches. However, its balanced sound profile suggests it could serve as a good middle ground, possibly complementing the tactile characteristics it is designed to provide.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a silk-smooth experience that is both mild and snappy. This switch’s smooth operation ensures a seamless experience, while its snappy responsiveness enhances the overall typing satisfaction, making every keystroke feel alive. The buttery sensation adds to the fluidity, ensuring that typing remains enjoyable over prolonged periods. It is polished, indicating a refined finish that minimizes friction and contributes to an effortless key travel experience. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Gateron Weightlessness switches has not been concretely described, though they are intended to provide a subtle to moderate tactile experience. This could indicate a gentler bump compared to more pronounced tactile switches, but without additional details, it’s difficult to gauge how engaging the typing experience may be.
In conclusion, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch excels with its subdued sound profile and smooth, responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both quiet operation and typing enjoyment. The Gateron Weightlessness, while offering a balanced sound profile and a subtle tactile experience, lacks detailed information on its auditory characteristics and overall tactile feedback. Therefore, while both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear appears more distinctive in terms of sound and refined feel, whereas specifics about the Weightlessness remain vague. Users seeking specific auditory and tactile qualities might find the Jwick switch to be the more appealing choice, while the Gateron could fit well for those prioritizing a balanced setup.
Conclusion
In closing, the decision to choose between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a smooth, whisper-quiet typing experience with a slight clack during bottoming out, the Semi-Silent Linear is an excellent choice, particularly for office settings or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams offers a satisfying tactile feedback without being too exhausting for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile sensation that subtly engages your fingertips while typing, the Weightlessness switch would be ideal. While it lacks a specified bottom-out force, it provides a delicate tactile feedback that can enhance your typing experience without overwhelming you with pronounced sounds. Therefore, if you're someone who enjoys feeling a slight bump as you type but still values a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness may suit you better. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you favor a smoother, quieter keystroke or a more tactile sensation, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your specific needs.
Mentioned in this article
