Cherry MX Red vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers are two popular options to consider. The MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers linear switches are likened to the dynamic duo—Steph and Klay—known for their shorter activation and long pole stem that provide a great typing feel, along with a creamy sound signature. While the MX Red is thocky, low-pitched, and textured, the Splash Brothers switches are categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Understanding these general characteristics can help you choose between the two switches; 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers, we can see that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with nylon, due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This leads to a duller and rounder sound that can be pleasing to some users. However, it's important to note that the MX Red uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Splash Brothers uses polycarbonate for the top housing.
On the other hand, the key difference lies in the top housing material used by each switch. The Cherry MX Red features a nylon top housing, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Meanwhile, the Jwick Splash Brothers opts for a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with a clear housing designed for RGB lighting. This difference in top housing material can have a noticeable impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the differing top housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and Jwick Splash Brothers create unique sound profiles. With the MX Red's nylon top housing offering a duller and rounder sound, contrasted by the Splash Brothers's polycarbonate top housing providing a sharper and crisper sound, users can choose based on their preference for sound and feel. However, the impact of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting both the pressing down and releasing of keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences for RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that they have some differences. The Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Jwick Splash Brothers does not have a specified actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cherry MX Red has none listed while the Jwick Splash Brothers has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it the heavier of the two. The weight of a switch can impact typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial feel. Overall, the Cherry MX Red offers a lighter actuation force compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers, which has a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch both offer a smooth key press experience, but they differ in their travel distance. The MX Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The MX Red falls into the category of more traditional travel distances, while the Splash Brothers is on the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers may prefer the Splash Brothers for its faster response time due to the shorter distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the MX Red. In terms of travel distance, the Splash Brothers is the shorter option, offering a quicker response time, while the MX Red provides a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a more deliberate key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red offers a deep and rich thocky sound profile with low-pitched tones when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches provide a creamy and neutral sound signature, making them suitable for various environments and user preferences. Both switches offer different sound profiles that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Red switches are characterized as textured, providing a unique friction sensation when pressed. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience with snappy and bouncy qualities that make the keys feel lively and responsive. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switches have a subtle and polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback and typing sensations that cater to different user preferences.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Red and Jwick Splash Brothers switches each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red offers a slightly heftier and textured typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Splash Brothers provide a creamy and neutral sound signature along with a mild and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the robust tactility of the MX Red or the smooth responsiveness of the Splash Brothers, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of which switch is selected.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Red linear switch or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you should factor in your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a creamy sound signature, and a typing feel that is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, you may find the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should come down to personal preference and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
