Kailh Box Jade vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade and the Jwick Splash Brothers. The Box Jade is known for its medium-heavy typing experience and clicky sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers are linear switches with a shorter activation and a creamy sound signature. While the Box Jade offers an invigorating and crunchy typing experience, the Splash Brothers provide a snappy and polished feel. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision when selecting the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Jwick Splash Brothers both use polycarbonate for their top housing materials. This choice of material results in a similar sound profile for both switches. The polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness and clarity. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either of these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a difference between the two switches. The Kailh Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Jwick Splash Brothers also uses nylon for its bottom housing. This material choice affects the sound profile of the switches. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, the Kailh Box Jade and the Jwick Splash Brothers will provide a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Jwick Splash Brothers have polycarbonate top housing materials, which contribute to their sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. The differences lie in their bottom housings, with both switches using nylon. This, in turn, creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent when pressing down on the switches. Overall, users can expect a similar sound experience from both switches, with slight variations in certain aspects.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Jade has a medium actuation force of 50 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unavailable. However, the bottom out force of the Box Jade is slightly heavier at 60 grams compared to the 48 grams of the Splash Brothers, which can be considered light.
In terms of weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Splash Brothers, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This is especially beneficial for those using the keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Box Jade, due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
While the specific actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown, one can expect a lighter experience overall compared to the Box Jade. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on user preference. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. However, there is a growing preference for shorter travel distances among gamers who value faster response times. In this case, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Kailh Box Jade switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is best known for its high-pitched sound profile and crunchy tactile feedback. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The clicky sound is favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced and distinctive typing experience. Additionally, the Box Jade offers an invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive and responsive typing sensation.
On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch provides a different sound experience. It is described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning it falls in the middle range with a moderate sound profile. While the specific sound characteristics are not mentioned, it is safe to assume that the sound produced by these switches will be less sharp and more moderate compared to the Box Jade. It is worth noting that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade is accented, offering a medium level of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This allows for a more balanced typing experience, providing a tactile bump that can be felt without being too pronounced. The Box Jade switch is also described as invigorating, offering a snappy and reactive feel that enhances the overall typing sensation.
In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that the switch provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is described as snappy, indicating a super responsive typing experience. Additionally, the switch is bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and adds a sense of rebound when pressed. The switch is also described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance without being too light. Moreover, the sound signature of the Splash Brothers switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade is characterized by its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, along with an accented and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers offers a neutral sound profile with a mild and snappy feel, combined with a bouncy and subtle feedback sensation. Both switches provide their unique typing experiences, catering to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches are a great choice. These switches offer a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a fantastic typing feel. Additionally, they have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switches are described as accented and invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and an immersive typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Splash Brothers switches have a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between Kailh Box Jade and Jwick Splash Brothers depends on your preferred typing experience, sound profile, and feel that align with your needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
