Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still providing a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, striking a balance between being polished without feeling overdone. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch boasts a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches offer a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. Additionally, its material blend creates a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts have grown to love. Crafted to be lightweight, the WS Yellow switches ensure effortless keystrokes and a smooth, fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow differ in terms of their housing materials. The Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Yellow has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiff nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Yellow elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer benefits for those aiming to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate and nylon allow for enhanced lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Semi-Silent Linear and the WS Yellow utilize nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings brings forth a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon as a plastic material enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a classic switch housing material, nylon provides consistent acoustic qualities, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users of both the Semi-Silent Linear and the WS Yellow.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes evident that the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow offer distinct experiences. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect variations in the overall sound profile and tactile feedback between the two switches, as the different housing materials distribute their respective qualities throughout the switch. However, both switches share the advantage of using nylon in their bottom housing, ensuring a deeper and fuller sound that is preferred by many users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is important to consider weight as a determining factor. Unfortunately, the specific actuation forces of both switches are unavailable, but it can be assumed that they are within a similar range. However, the bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the bottom out force of the WS Yellow is 53 grams, categorized as medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the WS Yellow may be more appealing as it allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. The lighter bottom out force provides a smoother typing experience without requiring excessive pressure. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, as it offers a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This heavier force can provide a more noticeable tactile feedback and a satisfying resistance when pressed.
In conclusion, while the actuation forces are unknown, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the WS Yellow linear switches offer different bottom out forces. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the WS Yellow is lighter, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating a preference for faster response times in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to opt for shorter travel distances to enhance their gameplay. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear with its slightly shorter travel distance could be an ideal choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt and may prefer more depth in their keystrokes. In this case, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch with its 3.8 mm travel distance would be a suitable option. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming 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 Wuque Studio WS Yellow comes in at $3.50 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 combines a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound. This unique combination creates a semi-silent typing experience that is appreciated by many users. The sound of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as subdued, offering a dampened sound when pressed. While it is not completely silent, it provides a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch from Wuque Studio is described as offering a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts have come to adore. However, no specific details are mentioned about the sound quality of the WS Yellow switch, leaving it unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as having a silky smooth type feel that is not over-polished. It falls under the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The feel of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is also described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive and lively. Additionally, the switch is referred to as buttery, meaning it provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It is also considered polished, suggesting a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. The WS Yellow switch is also categorized as mild and polished, sharing similar qualities to the Semi-Silent Linear switch. However, no specific details are given about its feel, leaving it unknown.
In conclusion, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi-Silent Linear is renowned for its semi-silent sound with a clacky bottom-out, providing a subdued sound experience. Its feel is silky smooth, mildly gentle, snappy, and buttery, offering a middle-ground typing experience. The WS Yellow switch, on the other hand, lacks specific information about its sound and feel characteristics, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, both switches share the descriptors of mild and polished, suggesting that they may deliver similar results in terms of typing experience. As always, the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
If you prioritize a more subdued sound profile, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a good choice. It offers a dampened sound when pressed, making it quieter than most switches while still maintaining a subtle clacky sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Yellow switch has not been provided.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, which is approachable to most users. However, if you prefer a snappy and buttery typing sensation, the Semi-Silent Linear switch may be more suitable. Its smooth and fluid keystrokes provide a seamless and effortless typing experience. The WS Yellow switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery sensation. It's like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
Additionally, the bottom out force of the switches should be taken into account. The Semi-Silent Linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, while the WS Yellow switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light.
Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when making a decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a snappy and buttery feel. Alternatively, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch offers a creamy typing experience with a mild feel. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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