SP-Star Meteor White vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White 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 SP-Star Meteor White and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both of which are linear switches. The Meteor White is often praised for its gentle and subdued nature. With an easy push and a soft, pitter-patter sound, this switch offers a type feel that is exceptionally smooth. It is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, providing a pleasant typing experience that is perfect for those seeking a quieter switch. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers, inspired by the dynamic duo of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, are linear "speed" switches that offer a unique experience. These switches have a shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, resulting in a satisfying typing feel. They also produce a creamy sound signature. Categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, the Splash Brothers switches bring a playful and lively element to your keyboard. However, let's explore further to help you decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches differ significantly. The Meteor White features a nylon top housing, while the Splash Brothers utilize a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. If you are looking for a switch that offers a more muted and round sound, the Meteor White with its nylon top housing would be a better choice. Alternatively, if you prioritize a clear and resonant sound with higher pitches, the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers will be more suitable.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Meteor White and the Splash Brothers use nylon as the material. This common choice means that they both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prioritize these sound characteristics, either switch will provide similar results. However, keep in mind that the bottom housing has a stronger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down the keys. So, while the same material is used for the bottom housing, other factors such as spring weight and stem profile may also contribute to differences in typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the primary difference in housing materials between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Jwick Splash Brothers lies in their top housings. The nylon top housing of the Meteor White emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers offers a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar overall sound profile. However, it is important to consider that the top housing has a more prominent impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users seeking a particular sound experience can choose between the two switches based on their preference for a more muted and round sound (Meteor White) or a clear and resonant sound (Splash Brothers).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is important to consider the weight of the switches. The Meteor White has an actuation force that is unavailable in grams, while its bottom out force is measured at 57 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has an actuation force of unavailable grams and a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams.
Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch because it affects the typing experience. Some users prefer a lighter switch as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may use the keyboard extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the contrary, there are those who prefer a heavier switch as it provides a more substantial and pronounced typing experience. These individuals may prioritize a stronger push feel when selecting their switches.
In terms of actuation force, both the Meteor White and the Splash Brothers have unavailable gram measurements, making it uncertain how they compare to each other. However, when considering the bottom out force, it can be observed that the Splash Brothers is lighter, weighing in at 48 grams, while the Meteor White is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 57 grams.
In summary, the actuation force of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Jwick Splash Brothers is unknown, so it is difficult to compare them in that aspect. However, the bottom out force of the Meteor White is slightly heavier at 57 grams compared to the 48 grams of the Splash Brothers, which results in a lighter typing experience for the latter.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is 3.5 mm. The Meteor White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Splash Brothers. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.5 mm is slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Splash Brothers a potentially better choice for them. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial keypress, the Meteor White with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness and depth of keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a gentle and soft profile. It can be described as both neutral and thocky, with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. It produces a satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock" sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various needs. However, the sound signature of the Splash Brothers is described as creamy, which adds a unique touch to the typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Meteor White provides a mild and polished typing experience. Its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring a gentle and approachable feel for most users. Additionally, the switch's polish contributes to a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Splash Brothers, on the other hand, offer a mild and snappy typing experience. The switches are super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Furthermore, the Splash Brothers switches are also described as bouncy, providing a lively rebound when pressed. Similar to the Meteor White, the Splash Brothers switches are also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, both the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer subjective qualities that can enhance the typing experience. While the Meteor White is known for its subdued and soft sound profile, the Splash Brothers provide a creamy sound signature. In terms of feel, the Meteor White offers a mild and polished experience, while the Splash Brothers provide a mild and snappy, bouncy feel. It is important to note that other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps also influence the sound and feel of the switches. However, if you are looking for similar results between the two switches, you can expect a gentle and approachable experience in both sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a great choice. It offers a gentle and easy-to-push typing experience, with a pitter-patter sound that is pleasing to the ear. Additionally, the Meteor White has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user and regardless of whether you'll be using it at home or work. In terms of feel, the Meteor White provides a mild and approachable typing experience, with a polished finish that ensures smooth and refined key travel.
On the other hand, if you're after a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a unique typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is worth considering. These "speed" switches have a shorter activation point and a long pole stem, which contribute to a great typing feel. They also produce a creamy sound signature when pressed. Like the Meteor White, the Splash Brothers has a neutral sound profile that suits most intents and purposes.
In terms of feel, the Splash Brothers offers a range of characteristics. It provides a mild and approachable typing experience, similar to the Meteor White. However, it also offers a snappy and bouncy feedback sensation, giving you a lively and responsive typing experience. Similar to the Meteor White, the Splash Brothers has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch depends on your specific preferences. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a soft sound profile, the Meteor White is a solid option. However, if you're looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force, a unique typing feel, and a range of tactile characteristics, the Splash Brothers might be the better choice for you. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences. In the end, both switches offer their own distinct qualities and can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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