TTC Ice vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, both the TTC Ice and Jwick Splash Brothers stand out as exceptional linear options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The TTC Ice is renowned for its stunning crystal-clear design, providing not only a visually appealing aesthetic but also a smooth and responsive typing experience that is satisfying in everyday use and gaming alike. Users often praise its premium feel and delightful bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches embody the essence of speed with their shorter activation distance and long pole stem, delivering a unique typing sensation complemented by a creamy sound signature. While the Ice offers a balanced and luxurious experience, the Splash Brothers provide a snappier and more engaging feel. Both switches cater to different user needs, whether you prioritize aesthetics and sound or rapid response and tactile feedback. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is evident that both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a similarly sharp and clear sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, enhances the resonance of the sound when the switch is engaged, creating a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience. Furthermore, both switches benefit from the translucence of polycarbonate, making them ideal for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. This shared top housing material will ensure that users can enjoy vibrant lighting effects while experiencing a bright sound that is consistent across both models.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge significantly. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the same properties that allow for clear sound production, while the Jwick Splash Brothers opts for nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in materials means that while the top housing will deliver similar auditory characteristics for both switches, the bottom housing will create a distinct tonal difference. Users of the Jwick Splash Brothers will notice a rounder and more subdued sound when bottoming out the keys, in contrast to the sharper sound produced by the TTC Ice.
These contrasting bottom housings highlight how varying materials can influence the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the TTC Ice maintains a consistent sound profile with polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings, the Jwick Splash Brothers introduces more complexity with the nylon bottom housing. When a user presses down on either switch, the characteristics of the respective bottom housing come into play, creating a differentiated experience. Ultimately, despite similarities in the top housing construction of both switches, the differing performance of their bottom housings means that users can expect varied auditory and tactile sensations, based on their choice between the two.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom-out forces emerge. The Ice switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, representing a medium feel that caters to those who appreciate a slightly more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom-out force of 48 grams, indicating that it is lighter overall. This makes the Splash Brothers more suitable for users seeking ease during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Ice switch, with its heavier actuation and bottom-out forces, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who prefer a firmer push. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch for extended use, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be the ideal choice, while the TTC Ice might appeal to those who appreciate a stronger feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Ice switch will provide a bit more travel before bottoming out compared to the Splash Brothers. For users who favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times, the Splash Brothers could be the more appealing choice, offering a faster actuation that may be preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Ice switch's longer travel distance could be more satisfying for those who appreciate a deeper key press, providing a more pronounced feedback that some users prefer. In summary, while both switches are relatively close in distance, the TTC Ice is the longer option, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers is the shorter, catering to different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Ice linear switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound, which is indicative of a premium typing experience. This clear, resonant tone adds a touch of enjoyment to each keystroke, making it suitable for both gaming and daily tasks. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a creamy sound signature, characterized as neutral. This moderate sound profile allows the switch to fit in seamlessly, whether you're in a quiet office or gaming at home, providing a balanced auditory experience that is neither offensive nor overly distracting.
When it comes to feel, the Ice switch offers a smooth and responsive typing experience, perfect for users looking for an efficient and satisfying keypress. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switches feature a dynamic combination of mildness, snappiness, and bounce. This variety ensures a more lively typing feel, making each press feel energized and responsive, while also catering to those who appreciate a gentle yet engaging resistance. The polished finish of these switches further enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for a smooth, refined key travel that is enjoyable for a broad range of users.
Overall, while both switches have their unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences within the linear switch realm. The TTC Ice excels with its satisfying sound and smooth, premium feel, offering a delightful typing experience. Meanwhile, the Jwick Splash Brothers combine responsiveness with a lively and engaging typing sensation, enhanced by their cream sound signature. Depending on what aspects you value in a switch—be it auditory pleasure or an interactive feel—you will find both can deliver enjoyable outcomes, though the nuances in sound and feel will guide your decision based on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer distinct advantages depending on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying sound, then the TTC Ice switch may be your best bet. Its blend of sturdiness and premium typing experience makes it suitable for extended gaming sessions or busy work environments. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a rapid activation, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a lively, snappy typing experience. The combination of its creamy sound and dynamic feedback not only caters to casual usage but also enhances gaming performance with quick response times. Ultimately, your choice should align with your individual tactile preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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