Cherry MX Black vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Black and Jwick Splash Brothers are two popular choices worth considering. The Cherry MX Black switches are known for their perfected design, thanks to Cherry's innovative Hyperglide tooling. With these switches, you can expect a classic textured smoothness that enhances your typing experience. The MX Black switches offer a deep sound profile and are categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are akin to the dynamic duo—Steph and Klay—bringing a special linear "speed" switch to the table. These switches feature a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a fantastic typing feel. Additionally, they offer a creamy sound signature. The Splash Brothers switches are categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. While these general pointers provide an overview of each switch, let's delve deeper to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The MX Black switch features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it compatible with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the MX Black and the Splash Brothers switches make use of nylon material. This shared characteristic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This shows that despite differences in their top housing materials, both switches benefit from the characteristics of nylon in their bottom housings.
When considering how the different housing materials impact the switches' performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the MX Black's nylon top housing and the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing may provide similar results in terms of how they impact the sound profile when a key is released.
In summary, the Cherry MX Black switch's nylon top housing and bottom housing contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In comparison, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with the added advantage of being compatible with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housings of both switches, they both utilize nylon and achieve a similar deep and full sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the switches will depend on personal preferences for sound characteristics and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we can observe some notable differences. The MX Black switch has an actuation force of 60 grams, meaning that it requires a relatively heavy push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Splash Brothers switch is unknown but is likely to be lighter as it has a bottom out force of 48 grams. This suggests that the Splash Brothers switch might have a smoother and more effortless activation compared to the MX Black.
Additionally, the MX Black switch has a bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating that it requires a significant amount of force to fully depress the key. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch has a lighter bottom out force, which means that it offers a more gentle and less fatiguing typing experience.
Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter switch might lean towards the Splash Brothers for longer typing or gaming sessions, as it enables extended usage without causing strain or fatigue. Alternatively, those who seek a more substantial typing experience may opt for the MX Black switch due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference. If someone desires a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Splash Brothers switch would be the suitable choice. However, if someone prefers a more robust and deliberate typing feel, the MX Black switch would provide the desired feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on the individual's typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear 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. The MX Black's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a moderate depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers' 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you value a more responsive typing experience, the Splash Brothers' shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too quick and abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance like the MX Black. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black switch is characterized by a low-pitched profile. This means that it produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which gives it a deep and satisfying sound when typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it falls in the middle ground, with a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. The specific sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured and stiff qualities. The textured characteristic refers to a noticeable friction when the switch is pressed, which can be preferred by some users. Additionally, these switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, providing a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a mild and snappy feel. This means that it provides a gentle typing experience with a more responsive and lively sensation. It also has a subtle and polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black and Jwick Splash Brothers switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a textured and stiff feel, providing a satisfying and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch provides a neutral sound profile with a mild, snappy, and polished feel, offering a more gentle and responsive typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a deeper and more textured sound with a stiff and tactile feel, the MX Black switch is a great choice. If you prefer a moderate sound with a gentle and snappy typing experience, the Splash Brothers switch would be a suitable option. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Black and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a deep sound profile, then the MX Black is the way to go. Its textured and stiff feel may also appeal to those who enjoy a noticeable friction and require more force to actuate the keys. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers switches are worth considering. They offer a mild and snappy feel, with a subtle and polished typing experience. Overall, the MX Black is better suited for those who prefer a heavier and more distinct typing experience, while the Splash Brothers are a great choice for those seeking a lighter and more approachable switch. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. So, happy keyboard hunting and enjoy the satisfying click-clack of your future mechanical keyboard!
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