Gateron Mars vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and the Jwick Splash Brothers both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, despite being linear switches. The Gateron Mars is renowned for its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which contributes to a smooth keystroke and a satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch stands out with its shorter activation point and long pole stem, providing a distinctive typing experience that some users might find more responsive. Additionally, the Splash Brothers are known for their creamy sound signature, making them not only pleasing to type on but also enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback. While the Gateron Mars emphasizes a combination of build quality and smoothness, the Jwick Splash Brothers highlight speed and an engaging sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and Jwick Splash Brothers switches, it's evident that they offer distinctly different auditory experiences based on their top housing materials. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted and rounder auditory characteristic. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers utilize a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for creating a sharper, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer quality of polycarbonate promotes clarity and resonance, making it ideal for situations where RGB lighting is involved, as its translucency enhances aesthetic appeal. Thus, the choice of housing material dramatically influences the overall sound experience of each switch, with the Mars fostering a warmer tone while the Splash Brothers deliver a much brighter acoustics.
When we delve deeper into the bottom housing materials of these switches, a different dynamic unfolds. The Gateron Mars is equipped with a POM bottom housing, contributing to a unique and pleasing sound that is notably deeper and more muted. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers feature a nylon bottom housing, which provides a classic sound profile characterized by its fullness and depth. This similarity in sound depth might lead to comparable auditory experiences when bottoming out, but the overall tone character varies depending on the top housing material they are paired with. The nuanced differentiation in sound produced by the Mars with its POM bottom and the Splash Brothers with their nylon bottom emphasizes the importance of housing materials in dictating the auditory results in a typing experience.
Overall, when considering both switches, one must recognize how the interplay between top and bottom housing materials will affect the overall typing experience. With the nylon top of the Mars promoting a duller sound, and the polycarbonate top of the Splash Brothers providing clearer acoustics, the efficacy of sound is distinctly allocated between the two. On the other hand, since both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, they will share similar depth characteristics in this aspect, ensuring that some auditory similarities persist despite the overarching differences in their construction. Consequently, users can expect contrasting sound profiles when engaging with these switches while still benefiting from a foundational similarity in tone when pressing down, showcasing the intricate balance between materials in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we see a significant difference in their respective actuation and bottom out forces, with only one value known for each switch. The Gateron Mars has an actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a relatively comfortable typing experience, particularly suited for extensive use. However, its bottom out force remains unspecified, leaving a gap in our comparison. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch boasts a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a slightly firmer key press when bottomed out, but its actuation force is also unknown. This makes it challenging to draw a direct comparison regarding their overall responsiveness. If we only consider the known values, the Mars switch is lighter at 45 grams, while the Splash Brothers switch's bottom out force suggests it is heavier at 48 grams, catering to users who prefer a bit more resistance. Therefore, based on the provided information, those who gravitate toward lighter switches for extended typing sessions may prefer the Gateron Mars, while users seeking a more substantial feel may lean towards the Jwick Splash Brothers.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we find that the Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Mars switch the longer of the two, offering an extra 0.1 mm of travel. For gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers may be more appealing, enabling quicker actuation and response during gameplay. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys might favor the Gateron Mars switch due to its greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on individual preferences for key feel and response time, with the Mars providing a deeper actuation compared to the slightly more responsive Splash Brothers.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 Gateron Mars switches lack a defined quality in this regard, leaving their acoustic profile uncertain. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches have a neutral sound signature. This neutrality means they produce a moderate sound level during use, which makes them versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. It's essential to note that the overall sound can vary based on the keyboard, keycaps, and specific setup, but the known neutrality of the Splash Brothers lends itself to a more universally acceptable auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Mars switches again remain an enigma, providing no clear description of their tactile characteristics. The Splash Brothers, however, are known for their multifaceted sensory experience. They boast a mild yet snappy feedback, providing responsiveness that makes typing feel lively. These switches also feature a bouncy quality, imparting a spring-like sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. With subtle resistance, they strike a balance that makes them approachable, while the polished finish ensures a smooth keypress, reducing friction during use and elevating the typing comfort.
Considering both switches, the Gateron Mars remains undefined in both sound and feel, which indicates a level of ambiguity that may not satisfy all users looking for specific attributes. Meanwhile, the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a solid and refined typing experience, characterized by their neutral sound and a well-rounded array of tactile feedback options. If you're looking for a switch that guarantees a pleasant auditory and tactile experience, the Splash Brothers are a clear winner, while the Mars needs more information to fully assess its qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique design and innovative feel, the Gateron Mars could be a great fit, especially if you prioritize smooth key travel and want a sound profile that harmonizes with your workspace environment. However, keep in mind that detailed descriptions of its sound and feel were not provided. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom-out force with a snappy and dynamic experience, the Splash Brothers offer a shorter activation and a creamy sound signature that might be more engaging for fast-paced gaming or typing. Their mild and polished characteristics make them suitable for both casual and serious use. In shared spaces, their subtle sound profile can help keep noise to a minimum. Therefore, assess your typing style, frequency of use, and desired tactile feedback to make the best decision that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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