Gateron Melodic vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and Jwick Splash Brothers offer distinct typing experiences. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that reinvigorates the category with advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers is a linear switch known for its shorter activation and long pole stem, giving it a unique typing feel and a creamy sound signature. Each switch has its own set of characteristics - the Melodic being 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', while the Splash Brothers is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Depending on your preferences, you may find one switch more appealing than the other. 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
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and Jwick Splash Brothers switches are quite similar, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting. However, the Melodic switches have a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
Despite the slight difference in bottom housing material, both the Melodic and Splash Brothers switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, providing similar sharp and crisp sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by both switches. This consistency in top housing material ensures that users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on either switch, especially when it comes to the key release sound. Overall, the similarities in housing material contribute to a comparable typing experience between the two switches.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches introduces a nuanced difference in sound and feel. The bottom housing material, such as nylon in the Melodic switches, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Conversely, the top housing material, primarily polycarbonate in both switches, influences the sound produced when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a more dynamic typing experience, where users can feel the distinct qualities of each material throughout their typing sessions.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the Splash Brothers has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it lighter. The actuation force for both switches is unknown, but it can be assumed that the Melodic would require a higher force based on its heavier bottom out force compared to the Splash Brothers. This means that the Melodic switch may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers with its lighter bottom out force would be ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Melodic being on the longer side and the Splash Brothers being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Melodic. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, making typing a satisfying auditory experience with distinct clicky feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with a creamy signature, offering a more subdued typing experience suitable for various environments. The choice between the Melodic and Splash Brothers will depend on whether you prefer a more vibrant and crisp sound or a smoother and subtle sound during your typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is known for its buttery and invigorating typing experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and immersive sensation with pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel, catering to those who prefer a gentler typing experience with responsive feedback and smooth key travel. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a softer typing feel, both switches offer a range of qualities to enhance your typing experience.
Overall, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a resonant sound and invigorating feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound and a mixture of mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch provides a smooth and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you'll achieve similar results of satisfaction in typing performance regardless of which switch you select.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness, then the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and a linear "speed" switch that provides a great typing feel with a creamy sound signature, then the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be the better choice for you. Overall, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
