Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the KTT Wine Red, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Semi-Silent Linear is widely recognized for its innovative design, offering a unique balance between a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. The switch provides a silky smooth type feel without being overly polished, giving users a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches are known for their intoxicating qualities, bringing a pillowy light type feel accompanied by a deep and rich sound profile. These switches have a bassy and low-pitched tone that adds an extra level of satisfaction to every keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision and choose the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The primary difference between the housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the KTT Wine Red lies in their bottom housing. While the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, the Wine Red uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. This distinction results in varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound, which may be preferred by those seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prioritize a precise and distinct typing experience.
On the other hand, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Semi-Silent Linear and the Wine Red enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Being a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate allows for better sound resonance, providing a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those planning to incorporate RGB lighting in their setup, as it allows for easy illumination and vibrant light effects. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from the polycarbonate top housing of both switches.
In summary, the main distinguishing factor between the housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the KTT Wine Red lies in their bottom housing. The Semi-Silent Linear features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, producing a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, high pitch, and clarity. Overall, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preference for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable, while the Wine Red requires 44 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Semi-Silent Linear requires 62 grams, whereas the Wine Red has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Wine Red switch would be ideal, as its actuation force is lighter than the Semi-Silent Linear. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for scenarios like bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a heavier and more substantial typing experience, and for them, the Semi-Silent Linear would be a better choice with its higher actuation force. This heavier force provides a stronger push, giving users a satisfying feeling when typing.
In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Semi-Silent Linear and Wine Red linear switches differ in weight. The Semi-Silent Linear has an unavailable actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Wine Red requires 44 grams to actuate and has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. Depending on personal preference, users can choose the switch that suits their desired typing experience - a lighter feel for prolonged typing or a heavier push for a more substantial experience.
Travel distance
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the KTT Wine Red linear switches have different travel distances. The Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wine Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Wine Red falls within the average range of 4.0 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear is slightly shorter. For gamers, who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear may be preferable. The shorter distance allows for quicker key presses and potentially increased performance in gaming scenarios. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the Wine Red, with its longer travel distance, would provide a more substantial and satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is best known for its innovative design that creates a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This switch provides a subdued sound profile, offering a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed. It falls into the neutral category, having a moderate sound profile that makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. When it comes to feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It has a snappy and responsive feel thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, which adds a sense of liveliness during typing. The switch also has a buttery and polished finish, resulting in a smooth and seamless keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch is highly regarded for its intoxicating characteristics. When typing on these switches, users can expect a pillowy light type feel that provides a comfortable typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no available information about the sound profile of the Wine Red switch, so it's hard to directly compare it to the Semi-Silent Linear's sound.
In conclusion, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the KTT Wine Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi-Silent Linear provides a subdued and whisper-quiet topping-out sound, along with a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, while the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light type feel, there is no description available for its sound profile. If you're looking for a switch with a similar subdued sound and a mild, buttery feel to the Semi-Silent Linear, the Wine Red switch may be a good alternative. However, if you prioritize knowing the sound profile of the switch, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a clearer choice based on the information provided.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a great choice. It is best known for its innovative semi-silent feature, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The switch offers a silky smooth type feel without being over-polished, giving you a balanced typing experience. In terms of sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a subdued and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Wine Red linear switch would be more suitable. It is best known for its intoxicating pillowy light type feel and deep, rich sound profile. While we don't have specific descriptors for the feel of the Wine Red switch, it can be inferred that it offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities, so choose based on your preferred bottom out force and desired sound profile. Ultimately, it's all about finding the switch that enhances your typing experience and suits your personal preferences.
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