Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available in the market, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. Two switches worth exploring are the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the SP-Star Yanyu, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Semi-Silent Linear is best known for its innovative design that combines a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound. With its silky smooth type feel, it strikes a balance between being polished and natural. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is perfect for those who desire a more delicate typing experience or find themselves typing for extended periods. The Yanyu's distinct material blend lends itself to a crisp sound profile. Both switches fall under the category of linear switches, but offer unique qualities that set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of their composition. The Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu's top housing is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a sound profile that is pleasant and brighter. While both materials contribute to the sound produced, the polycarbonate in the Semi-Silent Linear emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in the Yanyu brings brightness to the sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear offers translucency that complements RGB lighting, making it a great choice for those looking to incorporate lighting effects in their keyboards. Meanwhile, the Yanyu's top housing, being a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, may not provide the same level of translucency, but it still offers a unique and visually appealing appearance.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In comparison, the Yanyu combines Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing, offering a distinct sound profile that is again pleasant but not particularly sharp. Both materials contribute to the overall sound experience, with the nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear emphasizing depth and resonance, while the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Yanyu gives the sound a brighter touch.
Overall, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and SP-Star Yanyu differ in their housing materials, they both provide unique and pleasant sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Yanyu brings brightness to the sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear highlights depth and resonance, while the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Yanyu adds a touch of brightness. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Semi-Silent Linear makes it suitable for RGB lighting, while the Yanyu offers a unique visual appeal with its blend of materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The actuation force of both switches is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare them. However, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of force required for a keystroke. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu has a lower bottom out force of 43 grams, which is considered light.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Some users prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it suitable for professional use or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are individuals who prefer a stronger and more substantial typing experience, leading them to choose options with heavier forces.
In terms of weight, the SP-Star Yanyu can be considered the lighter switch due to its lower bottom out force. This makes it favorable for those who prioritize longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, since the actuation force of both switches is unavailable, it is difficult to determine if they have similar results or if they differ significantly in terms of activation sensitivity.
Overall, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the SP-Star Yanyu have contrasting bottom out forces, with the former being medium and the latter being light. Depending on individual preferences, one may choose the lighter SP-Star Yanyu for prolonged typing sessions, while others may opt for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When it comes to travel distance, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a distance of 3.7 mm, whereas the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Yanyu falls into the more common range with a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly shallower experience. However, the trend of shorter travel distances has gained popularity recently, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with its shorter travel distance would be a preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper key feel may lean towards the SP-Star Yanyu switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired level of key depth or responsiveness.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This gives it a unique and pleasant sound profile. It can be described as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed, although not completely silent. Compared to most switches, it offers a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is known for providing a more delicate typing experience, making it perfect for extended typing sessions. It has a crisp sound profile, described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a silky smooth quality. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience for most users. It can be described as snappy, making it super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, it can also be considered buttery, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Yanyu switch, on the other hand, also offers a mild typing experience, being approachable to most users. It is described as feathery, exceptionally light to press with little exertion required from the fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similar to the Jwick switch, it is also polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. In terms of sound, the Jwick switch provides a subdued and more subtle sound signature, while the Yanyu switch offers a thocky and crisp sound profile. In terms of feel, the Jwick switch is mild, snappy, and buttery, providing a silky smooth and responsive typing experience. The Yanyu switch also offers a mild and feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, with a subtle and polished typing experience. Based on the available information, if you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be your best choice. If you prefer a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a subtle sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be a good choice for you. This switch offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, providing a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear is described as having a mild feel, making it approachable to most users.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, this switch is perfect for those who type for long periods of time or prefer a more delicate typing experience. The Yanyu switch has a material blend that gives it a crisp sound profile, providing a satisfying thocky sound when pressed.
Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most users, whether beginner or advanced, and for use at home or work. They also both have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch will depend on your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. Consider the factors that are most important to you, such as typing experience, sound, and fatigue, and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
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