KTT Laurel vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Laurel and the Jwick Splash Brothers are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, both falling into the linear switch category. The Laurel, renowned for its medium-light linear design, offers a perfect blend of responsiveness and comfort with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. It is distinguished by its subtly low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers, drawing inspiration from the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, boasts linear "speed" switches that deliver a fantastic typing feel. These switches feature shorter activation and long pole stems, offering a unique tactile experience. They produce a creamy sound signature that adds to the overall pleasantness of typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, allowing you to make an informed decision about which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ significantly in terms of sound profile. The Laurel's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This means that if you prefer a keyboard with a smoother and more relaxing typing experience, the Laurel's POM top housing is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more vibrant and precise sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers would be a better option.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of these two switches also contribute to their sound profiles. The Laurel's POM bottom housing enhances the switch's deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a consistent typing experience throughout. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Splash Brothers offers a fuller and rounder sound, making it ideal for those seeking a keyboard with a deeper and more satisfying typing sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller but more resonant sound overall.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase the influence of housing materials on the sound produced when typing. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, regardless of whether you opt for the Laurel or the Splash Brothers, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing experience. Ultimately, your preference for a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, as well as the aesthetics of RGB lighting, will dictate which switch suits you best.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is clear that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Splash Brothers is listed as having an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 48 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches can provide a comfortable and effortless keystroke. The actuation force of the Laurel is slightly lighter than its bottom out force, indicating a subtle resistance when triggering a keystroke. Similarly, the Splash Brothers likely offers a similar result in terms of a lightweight feel, although the exact actuation force remains unknown.
However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, both switches may fall short. The actuation force of the Laurel and the Splash Brothers, while light, may not provide enough resistance for those seeking a more tactile sensation. In these cases, users may need to explore other options with heavier forces to achieve the desired typing experience.
In summary, the KTT Laurel and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. While the Laurel provides specific force measurements of 43 grams and 50 grams respectively, the force specifications for the Splash Brothers are unavailable. Users can expect a lightweight typing experience with both switches, but those seeking a stronger push feel may need to consider switches with heavier forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.5 mm. This means that both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. Consequently, users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of the travel distance they feel when typing. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they exhibit equal travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel linear switch is best described as having a subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound profile without any particular emphasis on high or low frequencies. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, but the Laurel delivers a subtly low-pitched tone while the Splash Brothers has a neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its snappy responsiveness. This is achieved through longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone with a more gentle and approachable feel. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switch also has characteristics such as being bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation, and having a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. Furthermore, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer different but enjoyable typing experiences, with the Laurel being snappy and the Splash Brothers being mild, bouncy, and polished.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch is best known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile and snappy feel, making it a great option for those seeking a mellow tone and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, bouncy, and polished feel. Both switches provide different subjective qualities, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their personal preferences. Whether you prefer the Laurel or the Splash Brothers, you can expect satisfying results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch that strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel is the switch for you. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, it offers a snappy typing experience. The Laurel also produces a subtly low-pitched sound, which adds to its overall pleasant feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a mild and approachable feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers is a great choice. It offers a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel, making it suitable for most purposes. The Splash Brothers also has several other characteristics such as snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, giving it a versatile typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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