Gazzew LT vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Both the Gazzew LT and the Jwick Splash Brothers are linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics and a satisfying typing experience. The LT switches are best known for their enticing lilac hue and the auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness they produce. With their seamless glide, typing on the LT switches feels smooth and effortless. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches are likened to the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, known for their speed and precision. The shorter activation combined with the long pole stem provides a great typing feel, while the switches emit a creamy sound signature. While these general pointers highlight the standout features of each switch, a deeper exploration is necessary for you to determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The LT utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often called "boba plastic," which offers a softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound. In contrast, the Splash Brothers feature polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is also advantageous for users planning to utilize RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both housings aim to enhance the overall sound experience, albeit in unique ways.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gazzew LT's proprietary blend of plastic provides a rich and deep sound profile, similar to its top housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Splash Brothers, on the other hand, is a classic choice known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differing bottom housings contribute to distinct tactile and auditory experiences when typing on these switches.
It is important to note that if a switch has different housing materials for its top and bottom, the qualities of each material will be divided between the two parts. When pressing down on a switch, the user will primarily feel the effects of the bottom housing, impacting the sound and feel upon bottoming out. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released. Despite these variations, both the Gazzew LT and the Jwick Splash Brothers aim to enhance the typing experience by utilizing different housing materials that affect the overall sound profile of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the Gazzew LT switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the Jwick Splash Brothers switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it lighter.
The actuation force of a switch is the force required to trigger a keystroke. Without the specific values, we cannot compare the actuation forces of these switches directly. However, we can assume that they are likely to deliver similar results since their bottom out forces have a notable difference.
When considering weight, lighter switches like the Jwick Splash Brothers are preferred by some individuals. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for situations such as bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, certain users may prefer a more substantial typing experience and therefore opt for switches with heavier forces.
In summary, while the actuation forces of the Gazzew LT and Jwick Splash Brothers switches are unknown, they differ in their bottom out forces. The Gazzew LT has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Jwick Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. The choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences, with lighter switches being more suitable for prolonged use and heavier switches being preferable for a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Gazzew LT with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a deeper travel, the Jwick Splash Brothers with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the level of responsiveness or depth desired in a switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 Gazzew LT linear switches are best known for their deep and resonant thockiness. This sound profile is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. These switches also have a low-pitched sound, which adds to their bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches have a neutral sound profile. This means they have a moderate sound, suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound of the switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you are looking for a deep and rich sound experience, the Gazzew LT switches would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound that fits various situations, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches would be a suitable option.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew LT switches do not have specific descriptors available. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are described as offering a mild and gentle typing experience. This means that the switches have a safe and approachable feel, suitable for most users. The switches are also known to be snappy, meaning they are super responsive and provide a lively typing experience. Additionally, the bouncy nature of the switches gives a spring-like feedback sensation, with keys rebounding when pressed. The Jwick Splash Brothers switches are also described as subtle, providing a gentle resistance while maintaining a light typing feel. Lastly, the switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. With these descriptions, it can be inferred that the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer a range of desirable qualities in terms of typing feel. However, without specific information about the Gazzew LT switches, it is difficult to make a direct comparison.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT and Jwick Splash Brothers switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gazzew LT switches are known for their deep, resonant, and thocky sound, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches have a more neutral sound that fits various situations. In terms of feel, while specific descriptors are not available for the Gazzew LT switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer a mild and gentle typing experience, along with snappiness, bounciness, subtlety, and polish. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a deep and rich sound and a seamless glide, the Gazzew LT switches would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a range of desirable feel qualities, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches would be a suitable option. Keep in mind that individual preferences and other factors, such as keyboard board and keycaps, also play a role in the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a slightly heavier switch with a deep and rich sound profile, the Gazzew LT linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a seamless glide and an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a shorter activation and a long pole stem, providing a great typing feel. Additionally, they offer a more approachable typing experience with their mild and polished characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT and the Jwick Splash Brothers depends on your preference for typing force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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