Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer two distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Semi-Silent Linear is celebrated for its innovative design that minimizes noise without sacrificing the tactile enjoyment of typing; it features a whisper-quiet top-out sound complemented by a pleasantly clacky bottom-out experience. Its silky smooth feel, categorized as subdued and buttery, makes it an excellent choice for those who desire a minimalist acoustic profile while still enjoying a touch of engagement. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a heavier variant of the classic Xinhai switch, provides a more robust typing experience with a unique PA12 top housing that enhances sound dynamics, delivering a crisp, higher-pitched resonance thanks to its POM stem. This switch embodies sophistication and precision, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback and a solid feel. Both switches offer advantages tailored to different preferences and settings, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), the primary distinction lies in the top housing materials. The Semi-Silent Linear utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. The translucent quality of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows light to pass through beautifully, creating an aesthetically satisfying glow. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which produces a considerably deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon contribute to its sound-absorbing qualities, yielding a more rounded auditory experience. Therefore, while the Semi-Silent Linear presents a vibrant and crisp sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) is inclined toward a more subdued and rich acoustic output.
While the top housings of the two models differ significantly in both material and resultant auditory experience, their bottom housings share a commonality. Both the Semi-Silent Linear and Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, effectively harmonizing their acoustic characteristics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches means that they will have similar sound profiles when it comes to their bottom-out sound and overall feel during typing. The nylon's ability to absorb sound aids in creating that deeper and fuller resonance that both switches produce from the bottom. This shared material choice encourages a certain consistency in the tactile feedback and sound when keys are fully pressed down, regardless of the variances introduced by the different top housing materials.
In conclusion, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) implement diverse materials for their top housings—polycarbonate and nylon, respectively—they converge in their bottom housing construction with nylon, leading to certain similarities in sound and feel when the key is bottomed out. The synergy between both housings plays a critical role in the overall typing experience; the Semi-Silent Linear offers a clear and resonant release sound enhanced by its polycarbonate upper, while the Xinhai (Heavy) delivers a rich, full-bodied sound characterized by its nylon top. Ultimately, users may choose between the two based on their preference for sound clarity or warmth, yet can rely on the consistency provided by the shared nylon bottom housing for a satisfactory typing experience in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are quite similar. The Semi-Silent Linear lacks a specified actuation force, making it difficult to evaluate how light or heavy it feels during typing. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a clearly defined actuation force of 55 grams, providing a firmer push that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have comparable bottom out forces—62 grams for the Semi-Silent Linear and a slightly higher 62.5 grams for the Xinhai (Heavy)—indicating that both will feel relatively similar when pressed all the way down. Overall, the Xinhai (Heavy) can be considered the heavier switch due to its defined actuation force, while the Semi-Silent Linear is lighter by lack of a specified metric, which may appeal to those who prefer less resistance for prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear provides a deeper and slightly more pronounced keypress, which may appeal to users who favor a more tactile and substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai's shorter travel distance can offer quicker actuation, making it potentially more favorable for gamers or those seeking faster response times. Overall, if you’re looking for a more responsive feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) would be the better choice, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear might be preferable for those who enjoy a more traditional and deeper 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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 considering the sound profiles of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its unique acoustic properties. It features a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while delivering a clacky bottom-out sound, creating a more subdued and neutral sound signature compared to traditional switches. This makes it particularly versatile, suitable for a variety of environments, from home to office. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has not provided specific details regarding its sound characteristics, leaving some uncertainty. However, given its unique PA12 top housing designed for softer acoustics, it's likely that it offers a more refined sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a balance between subtlety and resonance.
In terms of tactile feel, the Semi-Silent Linear provides an engaging typing experience with a buttery smoothness that avoids excessive polish, offering both snappiness and mildness. This combination allows for a highly responsive experience without becoming overwhelming or too edgy. The switch's characteristics create an approachable and fluid typing sensation that can adapt to a variety of typing styles. Conversely, the exact tactile qualities of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch remain unspecified, leaving its feel somewhat ambiguous. Nonetheless, this switch is crafted for a heavier tactile response, which might cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing feedback.
In summary, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized by its unique subdued sound, silky smooth feel, and versatile typing experience, making it an excellent choice for newcomers seeking a blend of comfort and performance. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers an intriguing heavy variant without comprehensive details about its sound and feel characteristics available at this time. Ultimately, both switches may cater to different preferences, and those looking for a more subdued yet engaging typing experience might gravitate toward the Semi-Silent Linear, while enthusiasts seeking a heavier tactile switch will find intrigue in the Xinhai.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches, your choice should align with your specific typing preferences and environment. If you seek a quiet typing experience but still enjoy a satisfying clack when bottoming out, the Semi-Silent Linear is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams combined with a silky-smooth feel and subdued sound profile makes it ideal for both home and office settings, providing a balanced experience for both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel and a distinctively crisp sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is worth considering. With its 62.5 grams of force and sophisticated acoustic profile, it caters to users who appreciate a more defined typing feedback and a sound that elevates the experience without being overwhelmingly loud. Ultimately, your ideal choice hinges on whether you prioritize a quieter, buttery-smooth experience or a more pronounced, heavier switch that offers refined acoustics and performance.
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