Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two remarkable mechanical keyboard switches: the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. These switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. The Semi-Silent Linear stands out with its innovative design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a satisfyingly clacky bottom-out sound. It offers a silky smooth typing experience, characterized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, or polished. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque Studio excels in creating a peaceful work environment with its exceptional noise reduction. These switches strike a delicate balance, offering a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. Categorized as accented, invigorating, neutral, mild, or muted, they feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, minimizing switch sound while delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can choose 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Semi-Silent Linear’s polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile’s nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Although both materials serve as classic switch housing options, they produce distinct sound characteristics.
Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, known for its sound-absorbing properties, creates a duller and rounder sound as compared to harder plastics. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile will exhibit similar qualities due to the shared nylon housing material.
When it comes to how the housing materials affect key release, the top housing takes center stage. The polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear enhances the sound when a key is let go, resulting in a more distinct and crisp sound. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon key release. This demonstrates how the choice of top housing material can significantly impact the sound profile of a switch, providing a unique experience for users of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, it is important to note that the actuation force of both switches is unavailable. However, the bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier and categorized as medium-heavy.
Consideration of weight is crucial when choosing a switch, as it affects the typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, as it enables them to type for extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience might opt for switches with heavier forces, providing a stronger push feel.
In terms of actuation force, which refers to the force required to trigger a keystroke, the specific values for both switches are unknown. However, given that the bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are quite similar and fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, it can be expected that the actuation forces would yield comparable results as well.
To summarize, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. While the actuation forces remain unknown for both switches, it can be inferred that their actuation forces would likely yield similar results.
Travel distance
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have different travel distances. The Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the WS Silent Tactile with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear with its slightly longer 3.7 mm travel distance would provide a more satisfying experience. Overall, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for travel distance and how you want your keystrokes to feel.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 offers a unique combination of sound and feel. In terms of sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a subdued sound profile. While it's not completely silent, it produces a dampened sound when pressed, making it more subtle compared to most switches. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether they are using it at home or in a professional work environment. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a mild typing experience. It offers a gentle and approachable feel that most users will find comfortable. The switch has a snappy characteristic, making it super responsive and creating a more lively typing experience. The smooth and fluid keystroke sensation of the Semi-Silent Linear switch can be described as buttery and polished, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers an accented typing experience. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, resulting in a medium tactile switch. This creates an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer their own unique qualities. The Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a subdued sound profile and a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel. It strikes a balance between quiet typing and a satisfying bottom-out sound. The WS Silent Tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a muted sound profile and an accented, invigorating, and mild feel. It provides a blend of tranquility and tactility without the usual padded feeling found in most silent switches. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience. By considering your choice of keyboard and keycaps, you can further fine-tune the sound characteristics to achieve your desired outcome.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams and the WS Silent Tactile at 63.5 grams, making them both medium to medium-heavy.
If you prioritize a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound, and a silky smooth type feel without being over-polished, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the right choice for you. It offers a subdued sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear falls under the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe, middle-ground zone.
On the other hand, if you value a balance between noise reduction and tactility, and are looking for a crisp bottom-out with a responsive return, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is the way to go. These switches deliver a satisfying level of tactility without compromising on silence, thanks to their precision-crafted stem railings with small cutouts. The WS Silent Tactile switch falls into the category of mild switches, providing a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience with a subtle sound and gentle feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is a great fit. However, if you prefer a balanced combination of tactility and silence, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is the better option. Consider your own preferences and needs to choose the switch that will enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience the most.
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