TTC Brother vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother and Jwick Splash Brothers offer distinct experiences to users. The TTC Brother clicky switch is renowned for its lightweight design, making it easy to actuate at just 37g. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a well-balanced tactile bump, this switch is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a distinct tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch stands out for its shorter activation and long pole stem, providing a smooth typing experience. Known for its creamy sound signature, these switches offer a more neutral and polished feel. However, 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Both switches offer a visually appealing and acoustically superior experience with their polycarbonate top housings.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Brother features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The Splash Brothers also opt for a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience that emphasizes a richer sound and feel during use.
In the overall typing experience, the qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, thanks to the absorbing nature of nylon. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite differences in their bottom housing material, both the TTC Brother and Jwick Splash Brothers deliver a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing combinations.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, while the bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch is unknown. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the TTC Brother for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the more substantial typing experience provided by the heavier bottom out force of the Jwick Splash Brothers switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces when it comes to typing or gaming.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it is evident that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Whether you are using the Brother clicky switch or the Splash Brothers linear switch, you can expect to feel a consistent travel distance of 3.5 mm when pressing down on a key. This ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress distance, making them both suitable options for those who prefer a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is celebrated for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, which is a hallmark of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is noted for a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings and preferences. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, so it is essential to consider these factors when aiming for a specific auditory experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for activation. This results in a light and comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the tactile bump in these switches provides a stepped feel, enhancing the typing feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The switch also offers a snappy and bouncy sensation, making the typing experience feel lively and responsive.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother switch captures the essence of a classic clicky switch with its crunchy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Splash Brothers switch provides a versatile and approachable typing experience with its neutral sound and mild feel. Both switches have their strengths, catering to different preferences and typists. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and light actuation force, the Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle typing experience with a creamy sound signature and a light key press feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and audible click of the Brother or the smooth, responsive feel of the Splash Brothers. Choose wisely based on what resonates with you the most.
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