Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Durock White Lotus. The Semi-Silent Linear is known for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound combined with a clacky bottom-out sound. Its smooth type feel provides a pleasant typing experience without being overly polished. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are crafted for the discerning typist, offering a delicate tactile response that strikes the perfect balance. These switches are ideal for work and extended typing sessions, providing a gentle tactile feel without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Durock White Lotus differ in their top housing composition. The Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. While it does not specify the sound characteristics, the modified blend is likely to offer a different auditory experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a quality housing material for enhanced tactile and auditory experiences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Durock White Lotus utilize nylon. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the housing material of the bottom portion of both switches is expected to yield similar auditory outcomes. While the description does not mention the tactile feel of the bottom housing, it can be inferred that the nylon material adds a level of smoothness and flexibility for a comfortable typing experience.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the performance of a switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. As such, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Durock White Lotus will offer different tactile and auditory experiences due to the disparity in their top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear will create a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus may provide a different, more premium feel. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures a deep and fuller sound profile during typing, contributing to a similar auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Jwick switch is unavailable, which means the force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch has an actuation force of 46 grams. This indicates that the White Lotus switch requires a lighter touch to initiate a keystroke compared to the Jwick switch.
In terms of bottom out force, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch requires 62 grams of force to fully press the key down, which can be considered medium. Conversely, the White Lotus switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, making it medium-light. This means that the Jwick switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressing the keys down, while the White Lotus switch offers a lighter touch.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the White Lotus switch. This allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel and enjoy a stronger push may prefer the Jwick switch with its heavier bottom out force.
It is important to note that without the exact actuation force for the Jwick switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison with the White Lotus switch in terms of typing sensitivity. However, based on the available information, it can be deduced that the White Lotus switch provides a lighter actuation force relative to the Jwick switch, resulting in a potentially smoother and more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them a popular choice for those looking for faster response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances for quicker reactions. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, the Durock White Lotus with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Both switches will provide similar results in terms of travel distance, but the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear will offer a slightly shorter distance compared to the Durock White Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 is known for its subdued and whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. It features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound level suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as having a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel. This means that it offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke. These switches are also known for their responsiveness and reduced friction, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as being easy-to-press and mild in feel. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, making typing effortless and comfortable. This low-impact typing feel enhances the overall typing experience and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switch is also described as having a subtle resistance, which is suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature.
In conclusion, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and Durock White Lotus switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi-Silent Linear provides a subdued sound with a silky smooth feel, while the White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound with an easy-to-press and gentle typing feel. Both switches have moderate actuation force requirements and neutral sound profiles, making them suitable for various typing needs. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smoother feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-impact and easy-to-press typing feel, along with a mellow sound, the White Lotus switch would be a great option. Keep in mind that the final sound and feel will also depend on factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is the ideal choice for you. It offers a silky smooth type feel without being over-polished, providing a pleasant typing experience. Despite not being completely silent, it produces a more subdued sound compared to most switches, making it suitable for both home and work environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Durock White Lotus is a great option. It is designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. These switches are ideal for work and extended typing sessions, as they provide a low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column that allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup.
In terms of sound, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more subtle and subdued sound signature, while the White Lotus offers a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and skill levels.
When it comes to feel, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It can be described as mild, snappy, buttery, or polished, providing a safe and middle-ground typing sensation. On the other hand, the White Lotus is easy-to-press and offers a gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable. It provides a mild and subtle typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Durock White Lotus depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and typing style. Both switches offer unique advantages and are designed to enhance your typing experience.
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