Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing or gaming style, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Jwick Splash Brothers present two distinct options worth considering. The Cherry MX Purple switches offer a refined tactile experience characterized by a medium-strength bump, making them ideal for users who appreciate a feedback-rich typing experience. Developed with insights from keyboard enthusiast Glarses, these switches are designed to enhance precision while reducing typing fatigue. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers are linear switches that prioritize speed and smoothness, offering a shorter activation time and a long pole stem that contributes to their unique typing feel. Their creamy sound signature provides an auditory pleasure that complements the tactile response, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter yet responsive experience. While the Cherry MX Purple excels in tactile feedback and precision, the Splash Brothers cater to users seeking speed and smooth operation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Jwick Splash Brothers diverge in their choice of materials for the top housing, which significantly affects their acoustic profiles. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer quality that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clearer resonance produced by polycarbonate not only enhances the auditory clarity of keystrokes but also complements any RGB lighting effects, casting vibrant colors through its translucent casing.
However, the bottom housings for both switches are made of nylon, thus introducing a unifying element between the two designs. Since nylon is employed for the bottom housing of both the MX Purple RGB and the Splash Brothers, users can expect a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when the keys are bottomed out. This similarity means that although the overall auditory experience may vary due to the distinct top housing materials, the bottom-out sound—a critical aspect of typing feedback—remains comparably muted and soft across both models, leading to a cohesive experience when striking the keys.
In terms of tactile feedback, the differences in top housing material become more pronounced, deeply influencing the typing experience. While the MX Purple RGB's nylon top provides a softer sound as keys are released, creating a more subdued exit, the Jwick Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top allows for a sharper and more resonant sound during keystrokes. This results in a more pronounced auditory feedback with each press, appealing to users who prefer a crisp typing experience. Ultimately, while the two switches share a similarity in their nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials shape the overall auditory and tactile outcomes, offering distinct yet complementary experiences to typists.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, one notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unknown. However, the Splash Brothers features a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. Since the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple is not available, it prevents a direct comparison. Based on the known values, we can infer that the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is likely heavier, particularly concerning its bottom out force, which suggests that it may provide a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple's known actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a lighter feel, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. Ultimately, individuals should consider their preferences for lighter or heavier switches to make the best choice for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the differences are clear. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Splash Brothers switch the more responsive option, appealing to gamers or users who favor quick key presses for faster response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced feel that some users may prefer for its hearty depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: those who enjoy a more abrupt feel might gravitate toward the Splash Brothers, whereas individuals who appreciate a deeper keystroke may opt for the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a refined auditory experience, though the exact nature of their sound profile is not specified. Contrast this with the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, characterized by a neutral sound signature. This neutrality means they maintain a moderate sound profile with a steady actuation force, making them versatile enough for any environment, whether at home or in a shared workspace. However, keep in mind that the acoustic properties of a switch can greatly depend on the type of keyboard it’s paired with and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a tactile experience that is well-balanced, featuring a short bump of medium strength that appeals to those who appreciate tactile feedback without being too aggressive. In direct comparison, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches provide a range of feel descriptors, including mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished characteristics. This variety indicates a typing sensation that is lively and highly responsive, making it accessible even to newcomers while still appealing to more experienced users. The overall interaction can be smooth and enjoyable due to the long pole stem, which enhances the fluidity and responsiveness of each keystroke.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are recognized for their refined tactile feedback, the Jwick Splash Brothers focus on a more lively and dynamic typing experience with several nuanced descriptors that cater to a broad audience. The sound of the MX Purple RGB switches remains generally unspecified, whereas the Splash Brothers offer a neutral audio profile suitable for varied environments. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct qualities that can appeal to different preferences; it's worthwhile for newcomers to consider which tactile and auditory experiences resonate with their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you enjoy tactile feedback and a refined typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent option. It provides a short, medium-strength bump that can enhance your overall feel while typing, which is perfect for those who appreciate a more engaged tactile sensation without the distraction of noise. However, if you prefer a faster, smoother keystroke that enables quick actuation, you'll likely find the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches more suitable. Their lighter bottom-out force, combined with a snappy and bouncy feel, is ideal for high-speed typists and gamers who value quick responsiveness. Additionally, the creamy sound signature of Splash Brothers switches makes them versatile enough to use in both private and shared environments without being disruptive. In summary, consider what you value most in your typing experience—tactility versus speed—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
Mentioned in this article
