Gateron Ink Red vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red 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 Gateron Ink Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers. Both switches belong to the linear switch category, offering a consistent and smooth keystroke experience. The Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. Users love the satisfyingly smooth feel, crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience provided by the Ink Reds. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches are touted for their "speed" capabilities. With shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, these switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing feel. Users have also noted a creamy sound signature from the Splash Brothers switches. While these are general pointers to consider, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ in their housing materials. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Splash Brothers utilize a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Red provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Both materials allow for RGB lighting due to their translucency, but the polycarbonate is more likely to be used for this purpose.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Red retains its proprietary INK blend, which offers the same pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile as the top housing. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers incorporate a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. It absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing are divided between the two switches. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect similar results when it comes to the overall sound profile of both the Gateron Ink Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers. However, the specific characteristics brought by their respective housing materials will offer subtle differences in terms of pitch, clarity, and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unavailable. However, both switches have a relatively light bottom out force, with the Ink Red measuring 60 grams and the Splash Brothers measuring 48 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Splash Brothers switch, as it has a lighter bottom out force. This allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial and deliberate keystroke feel. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push sensation for a more satisfying typing experience.
Even though the actuation force of the Splash Brothers switch is unavailable, if it is similar to the Ink Red, users can expect comparable results. However, without precise information, it is challenging to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, the decision between these switches relies on personal preference - whether one prefers lightweight and smooth keystrokes or a slightly heavier and more deliberate feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Gateron Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Splash Brothers switch. The Ink Red's 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers' 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it more preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Ink Red with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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, both the Gateron Ink Red and Jwick Splash Brothers switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound. However, the Ink Red switches have a unique chirpy sound that sets them apart, adding a little squeak to their acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches offer a creamy sound signature, giving them a different auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you're looking for a neutral sound experience, both switches will provide similar results.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switches offer a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They also provide a mild and gentle typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Splash Brothers switches, on the other hand, offer a mild typing experience along with a snappy and bouncy feel. This means that they have a more responsive and lively feedback sensation, providing a sense of rebound when keys are pressed. Similar to the sound aspect, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. Therefore, if you prefer a gentle typing experience with some added snappiness, the Splash Brothers switches would be a good choice.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Red switches are ideal for those with a lighter typing style, offering a satisfyingly smooth and effortless typing experience. They have a unique chirpy sound profile and provide a silky and polished feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches have a shorter activation and long pole stem, resulting in a different kind of typing feel. They have a creamy sound signature and offer a mild, snappy, and bouncy feel. Both switches have a similar neutral sound and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences for typing style, sound preference, and desired typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a switch with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are satisfyingly smooth, have a crispy and clacky sound profile, and are effortless to type on. They offer a silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In terms of sound, the Ink Red can be described as either neutral or chirpy, depending on your preference. The neutral sound profile makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. On the other hand, if you are looking for a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be a great fit. These switches have a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. They offer a great typing feel with their shorter activation and long pole stem. The Splash Brothers switches have a creamy sound signature and provide a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities, so choosing between them would depend on your typing style, preference for actuation force, and desired sound and feel.
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