KTT Cream Yellow vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Jwick Splash Brothers. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound and its unique bouncy typing feel. With a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, it delivers resonant audio feedback that stands out. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch takes inspiration from its namesake Steph and Klay, offering a snappy and polished typing experience. Its shorter activation combined with a long pole stem results in a great typing feel, and there's an added bonus of a creamy sound signature. Both switches bring their own strengths to the table, making choosing between them a matter of personal preference. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so that you can make the most informed decision and find the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches share similar housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches planning to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and lighting potential from both the Cream Yellow and Splash Brothers switches.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers also feature a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
While the top and bottom housings may have different materials, the impact they have on the overall sound and feel of the switches is divided. When pressing down on either the Cream Yellow or the Splash Brothers, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This division allows users to experience a combination of the crispness and resonance provided by the polycarbonate top housing, along with the deeper and fuller sound elicited by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are some notable differences. The KTT Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 48 grams, making it lighter than the Cream Yellow.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be a better option as it requires less force for bottoming out. This can be particularly advantageous for extended typing sessions or marathon gaming sessions, where a lighter switch can help reduce fatigue.
On the contrary, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might prefer the KTT Cream Yellow. With its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, it provides a stronger push feel, giving typists a sense of solidity and presence with each keystroke.
Though the actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unavailable, if it happens to be similar to the Cream Yellow's actuation force of 50 grams, both switches would deliver a similar response in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the Cream Yellow's higher bottom out force of 58 grams would still give it a slightly heavier overall feel compared to the Splash Brothers' 48 grams.
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Jwick Splash Brothers ultimately depends on individual preferences. Those looking for a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might opt for the Splash Brothers, while those who desire a more robust typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier Cream Yellow.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. Therefore, when pressing down on a key, you can expect to feel a similar distance traveled with both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow switch is best described as clacky. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch is described as neutral in terms of sound. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound of both switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a distinctively clacky sound, the Cream Yellow would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile, the Splash Brothers would be more suitable.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy sensation. This means that the keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving them a lively feel with rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a more mild typing experience. It falls in the safe, middle-ground zone of mechanical switches, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switch is also described as snappy, indicating a high level of responsiveness. Both switches offer a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation. If you prefer a switch with a more lively and bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a gentler and more approachable typing experience, the mild and snappy qualities of the Splash Brothers switch would be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Splash Brothers switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, providing a uniquely crisp and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch has a more neutral sound profile and offers a mild and snappy typing feel, making it suitable for most users. While they have different characteristics, both switches offer a bouncy feedback sensation. Therefore, if you are seeking a similar typing experience with a focus on bounciness, either switch would provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is the better choice for you. With its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, this switch delivers resonant audio feedback and a lively, rebounding feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and approachable typing experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is the way to go. Its mild feel, snappiness, and bounciness make it suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switch has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different environments. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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