Cherry MX Brown vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown 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 Brown and the Jwick Splash Brothers couldn't be more different. The MX Brown is a tactile switch, known for its subtlety and gentle tactility, offering a light typing experience with subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers are linear switches, famous for their "speed" and unique characteristics. With a shorter activation and long pole stem, these switches provide a great typing feel. Additionally, they have a creamy sound signature. While the MX Brown is more textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the Splash Brothers are neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Both switches have their own appeals and advantages, but 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
55g
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 Cherry MX Brown and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ in their housing materials, with the MX Brown featuring a nylon top housing and the Splash Brothers utilizing a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon housing of the MX Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Splash Brothers results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the MX Brown and the Splash Brothers utilize nylon. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches create a similar dull and round sound when typing on them. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing of a switch primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Although the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ, they both feature nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile when typing on the switches. However, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Splash Brothers leads to a sharper and crisper sound compared to the MX Brown's nylon top housing. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that they have some differences. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is medium-light, while the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the MX Brown is 55 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the 48 grams of the Splash Brothers, making the latter lighter in terms of bottoming out.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for those using keyboards in a professional setting or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals enjoy a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. For them, opting for switches with heavier forces would be ideal.
In conclusion, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the MX Brown and Splash Brothers switches vary, with the MX Brown being heavier, they both offer different advantages based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we find that the MX Brown has a longer distance of 4 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. The MX Brown falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the Splash Brothers leans towards the shallower end. However, in recent times, there has been a rise in favoring shorter travel distances, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you seek a more responsive typing experience, the shorter option would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a deeper press. In that case, the switch with the longer travel distance would be the preferred option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown 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 Brown switches offer a subtle and subdued audio feedback. The sound profile of these switches can be described as bassy and low-pitched, with a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches have a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a relatively light and textured typing experience. These switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which some users prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer a mild typing experience with a variety of characteristics. They are described as snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. This means that they provide a more gentle and approachable typing feel, with a responsive, spring-like feedback. The keys have a lively feel and the switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown switches are best known for their subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. They have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured feel that provides noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are praised for their linear "speed" characteristics. They offer a great typing feel with their shorter activation and long pole stem, and have a creamy sound signature. They provide a mild typing experience with a variety of qualities such as snappiness, bounciness, subtlety, and polish. While the MX Brown and Splash Brothers switches have different subjective qualities, they both offer desirable typing experiences. Depending on your preferences, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a gentle tactile feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches would be a great choice. These switches offer a subtle typing experience with subdued audio feedback, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter and quieter typing feel. On the other hand, if you are seeking a lighter switch with a creamy sound signature and a more responsive typing experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches would be the way to go. With their shorter activation and long pole stem, these switches provide a great typing feel and a unique sound profile. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience, making them suitable for most users. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, typing force, and sound profile.
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