Gateron Glory Red vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers each offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its lighter feel, provides a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a gentle touch and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers, inspired by the dynamic duo of basketball stars, boast a shorter activation point paired with a long pole stem for a distinctive typing feel. Their creamy sound signature adds an auditory delight that sets them apart from other linear switches. While both switches cater to users looking for linear action, the Glory Red excels in a lighter touch, whereas the Splash Brothers emphasize a snappy responsiveness. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red switches and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a notable contrast exists between their top housings. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for its softer and more absorbent qualities. This softness allows for a deeper, fuller sound profile, contributing to a muted and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Splash Brothers utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and allows for a sharper, crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate not only enhances the resonance of the switch, leading to a brighter sound output, but its translucency also makes it particularly suited for showcasing RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic dimension that the nylon top housing lacks.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, share a commonality. Both the Glory Red and Splash Brothers employ nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile overall. This similarity means that when pressed, both switches will likely exhibit similar characteristics in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. As nylon is known for absorbing sound, the bottom housing of both switches will provide a consistent auditory experience, characterized by a duller and more rounded sound, regardless of the differences noted in their top housings. This shared material helps maintain some continuity in the typing feel and sound when transitioning between the two switches.
Overall, the combination of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches emphasizes sound absorption and a rounded auditory profile, while the differing top housings dictate the overall sound signature during typing. The Gateron Glory Red leverages the depth of nylon in both pieces, resulting in a more uniform sound experience, while the Jwick Splash Brothers capitalizes on the clarity afforded by the polycarbonate top housing to offer a brighter typing sound, particularly in the release phase. Consequently, despite the contrasting aesthetics and sound profiles of their top housings, users may find a level of familiarity in the typing experience provided by the common nylon material used in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red has a specified actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a moderate resistance that many users may find comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch's actuation force is unknown, leaving us without a direct comparison. However, the Splash Brothers does have a bottom out force of 48 grams, suggesting that it has a slightly heavier feel compared to the Glory Red's known actuation force. Given that the Glory Red's bottom out force data is unavailable, we can't accurately deduce if it would lead to similar experiences regarding bottoming out. Overall, for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing comfort, the Gateron Glory Red may be the better option, while those who favor a more substantial push might lean towards the Jwick Splash Brothers due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, a slight difference is evident. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Splash Brothers offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Gateron Glory Red the longer option, providing a bit more keypress depth, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers, with its shorter distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking faster response times due to its quicker activation. Both switches fall within the recently popularized shorter travel distances, which cater to those looking for swift key responses, but the Glory Red’s marginally greater depth may suit users looking for a more traditional feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch delivers a smooth and subtle auditory experience, making it suitable for a variety of environments. Its sound profile is relatively quiet, which can be appealing for users who prefer a less intrusive typing noise. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is characterized by its creamy sound signature, which is likely to provide a rich acoustic feel while typing. Both switches have sound profiles that depend heavily on the keyboard's build and the keycap material chosen, so users can achieve a level of sound customization regardless of the switch in question.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. While specific descriptors for feel aren't provided for the Glory Red, users can anticipate a seamless and fluid action. Conversely, the Splash Brothers switch is known for its mild, snappy, bouncy, and polished characteristics. This variety gives it a lively feel with responsive feedback, making it an engaging option for typists looking for dynamic interaction with their keys. These tactile attributes could result in a more stimulating typing experience compared to the balanced feel of the Glory Red.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Glory Red is a softer, quieter switch that emphasizes smoothness, while the Splash Brothers introduce a more robust acoustic signature and a vibrant tactile sensation with their various attributes. Ultimately, users looking for a pleasant typing experience can expect satisfaction from either option, with the potential for customization through keyboard build and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To conclude, whether you gravitate towards the Gateron Glory Red or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you seek an ultra-smooth keystroke coupled with a lighter feel for effortless typing sessions, the Glory Red switches may be your ideal choice. Their pleasing travel distance makes them suitable for long periods of usage without fatigue, making them an excellent option for casual typists or those who appreciate a more relaxed experience. On the other hand, if you crave a more dynamic and responsive feel, the Splash Brothers switches, with their snappy and bouncy characteristics, could be the better fit for you. Their moderate bottom-out force and neutral sound profile offer versatility, allowing for comfortable typing in both home and office environments. Moreover, the unique creamy sound signature adds a pleasant auditory experience to your typing. In summary, your choice should reflect how you engage with your keyboard—opt for the Glory Reds for a laid-back and smooth experience, or choose the Splash Brothers if you desire a lively, responsive typing sensation.
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