43 Studio Obsidian Long
43 Studio Obsidian Long review: a JWK-made long-pole linear, 55g actuation / 62g bottom-out, with a snappy P3 stem and clacky pole bottom-out.
How it feels
Feel ratings not yet recorded for this switch.
How it sounds
Full review
Quick Summary
The 43 Studio Obsidian Long is a JWK-built linear that takes the well-liked Obsidian Pro V2 recipe and drops in a P3 long-pole stem, trading some travel for a quicker, punchier keypress. At 55g actuation and a 62g bottom-out, it lands in medium-weight territory with a firm, decisive stop and a clacky pole-driven tone. It’s a strong pick for typists and gamers who want a short, snappy linear with character rather than a smooth, bottomless glide.
Specs and Feel
This is a long-pole linear, so the defining trait is the shortened downstroke: the P3 stem reaches a hard pole bottom-out sooner than a standard MX-travel switch, giving each press a brisk, controlled finish. The 55g actuation eases into a 62g bottom-out, so it never feels heavy, but the firm pole stop reads as more substantial than the numbers suggest. Smoothness is good for a stock JWK linear; there’s a touch of break-in roughness early on that mellows with use, and stem wobble is well-controlled thanks to the PC/Nylon top and Nylon bottom housing. The housing mix leans the sound toward a clacky, marbly profile rather than a deep thock, and the pole bottom-out does most of the work.
Tuning
These arrive unlubed and sound lively right out of the bag, which suits the long-pole character. A light application of thin lube on the rails plus a dab on the springs cleans up any early scratch and stem rattle without dulling the snap. Films are optional given the already-tidy wobble; skip them unless you’re chasing absolute consistency.
Verdict
Buy the Obsidian Long if you want a medium-weight linear with a short, decisive travel and a clacky, present bottom-out. It’s an easy recommendation for fans of long-pole switches and anyone who found standard linears too floaty. Skip it if you prefer a long, smooth glide or a deep, muted sound signature, since the whole point here is the punchy, abbreviated stroke. Note that it’s frequently sold as clearance stock in small packs, so grab enough for a full build if it catches your ear.
Frequently asked
How is the Obsidian Long different from the Obsidian Pro V2?
It swaps in a P3 long-pole stem, which shortens the downstroke and produces a firmer, more pronounced pole bottom-out. If you liked the Obsidian Pro V2 but wanted a snappier, more compact travel, this is the tweak.
What does the long pole feel and sound like?
The shortened travel gives a quick, decisive keypress with a solid stop at the bottom, and the pole bottom-out adds a clackier, more present tone than a standard-travel linear.
Do these switches need lubing out of the box?
They ship unlubed and are perfectly usable as-is, but a light hand-lube on the rails and springs smooths the keystroke and tames a little stem rattle for those chasing a refined long-pole sound.
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