HMX Hibiscus vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Hibiscus and Jwick Splash Brothers stand out for their unique characteristics and appealing typing experiences. The HMX Hibiscus switches are revered for their unparalleled smoothness and a typing feel that allows for rapid, effortless keystrokes, supported by an ultra-light actuation force that gives it an edge over 80% of other switches on the market. The satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature enhances the overall tactile experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who prioritize auditory feedback and smoothness. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers, much like their namesakes, excel in providing a dynamic and engaging experience with their shorter activation distance and long pole stem design. This switch boasts a creamy sound signature, making it an excellent option for users who seek a responsive feel without sacrificing pleasant auditory feedback. Each switch presents compelling reasons for consideration, whether it’s the Hibiscus's light touch and satisfying sounds or the Splash Brothers' swiftness and unique tonal qualities. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
T3
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 HMX Hibiscus and the Jwick Splash Brothers, one notable difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Hibiscus employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Jwick Splash Brothers features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and clearer sound profile. This distinction is significant because the choice of material directly influences the acoustic characteristics of the switches. While the Hibiscus offers a rounder sound, the Splash Brothers maximizes brightness and clarity, making them better suited for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience.
Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This commonality means that regardless of the differences observed in the top housing materials, the bottom portion for both switches contributes to similar acoustic qualities. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, resulting in that signature deeper and fuller typing experience. Therefore, while the top housing influences the attack and release of the sound during typing, users of both the Hibiscus and Splash Brothers will experience a comparable depth in the bottom-out phase, as the softer nylon helps maintain a consistent auditory profile.
Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct materials of the top and bottom housings creates a unique overall experience for each switch model. The Hibiscus benefits from the synergy of a soft nylon top paired with the same material in the bottom, producing a cohesive deep sound. In contrast, the Splash Brothers presents a more layered acoustic experience, with the polycarbonate top ensuring that key releases are crisply articulated, while the nylon bottom retains the robust feel at bottom-out. As such, while both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience, the differences in the top housing material significantly shape the auditory presence of each switch, highlighting the importance of material choice in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, a few notable differences emerge. The Hibiscus features a light actuation force of 42 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly during prolonged use such as in gaming or office tasks. In contrast, the Splash Brothers does not specify an actuation force, leaving users uncertain about its responsiveness. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 48 grams, which indicates that they both provide a light bottoming out feel. Therefore, while the Hibiscus offers clear specifications for both forces, the Splash Brothers' unknown actuation force creates ambiguity. Ultimately, the HMX Hibiscus is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, appealing to those who favor a gentler typing experience, while the bottom out force remains consistent across both switches.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making their travel distances equal. This means that users will experience a similar depth when pressing down on each switch, resulting in a comparable feel during typing or gaming. Since both switches share this travel distance, they are likely to yield similar results in terms of finger fatigue and response time, providing a consistent performance for those who prefer linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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
The sound quality of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, offering a dynamic auditory experience that many enthusiasts seek. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch boasts a creamy sound signature, which leans towards a more neutral profile. While the Hibiscus delivers a distinct acoustic presence, the Splash Brothers provide a subtler sound that can be better suited for environments where noise is a concern. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches are noted for their ultra-light actuation force, which enhances the smoothness of the typing experience. In comparison, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches present a varied tactile experience, described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. The Splash Brothers' short actuation combined with a long pole stem contributes to a responsive and lively typing feel that can appeal to gamers and typists alike. While Hibiscus emphasizes smoothness, the Splash Brothers deliver a multi-faceted typing experience that caters to a range of preferences.
In conclusion, the HMX Hibiscus and Jwick Splash Brothers switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Hibiscus excels in producing a lively sound and ultra-smooth feel, ideal for those who appreciate a crisp typing experience. Conversely, the Splash Brothers offer a more nuanced typing sensation with a creamy sound, making them versatile for various settings. Ultimately, if you appreciate a dynamic auditory experience, the Hibiscus is ideal, whereas if you favor a balance of responsiveness and a gentle sound profile, the Splash Brothers would serve you well.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you lean toward a smoother and ultra-light typing experience that emphasizes a clacky and crispy sound signature, the HMX Hibiscus is likely the better choice for you. This switch excels when you desire an effortless typing experience that feels refined and polished, making it ideal for long typing sessions or if you prioritize sound characteristics. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a dynamic and interactive typing feel, along with a creamy sound profile, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch may be more suitable. Its shorter activation distance contributes to a snappier response, which can enhance performance for gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prefer the lush and refined feel of the Hibiscus or the lively and responsive nature of the Splash Brothers—both of which, with their light bottom-out forces, promise an enjoyable experience in their own right.
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