Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers mechanical keyboard switches, one notable difference is in their sound profiles. The MX Silent Red is renowned for its quiet operation, providing a satisfying typing experience without the typical loud keystrokes associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a unique creamy sound signature, adding an extra layer of tactile feedback to the typing experience. The MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', while the Splash Brothers are classified as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own advantages, with the MX Silent Red being ideal for noise-sensitive environments and the Splash Brothers offering a snappy and polished typing feel. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers share similar qualities in terms of their nylon bottom housing. Both housing materials are described as classic switch materials that elicit a deep and full sound profile due to their softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon bottom housings. Despite any aesthetic differences, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
In contrast, the top housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ significantly. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Splash Brothers's polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This difference in top housing material results in distinct sound characteristics and aesthetics between the two switches.
Overall, while the bottom housings of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers are similar in material and performance, their top housings provide contrasting sound profiles and aesthetics. The nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers produces a sharper and more resonant sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and aesthetics, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we can see some key differences. The MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. However, it does not have a specified bottom out force, so it may not provide the same level of resistance towards the end of a keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch has a higher bottom out force of 48 grams, giving it a more substantial typing experience. The actuation force for the Splash Brothers switch is not available, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of initial key press resistance. Ultimately, the MX Silent Red may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Jwick Splash Brothers may be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the MX Silent Red a popular choice in gaming keyboards. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Splash Brothers switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, while the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers, both switches provide a balance between responsiveness and depth, catering to different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Silent Red switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it ideal for those looking for a quieter switch option. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are described as having a creamy sound signature, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can cater to different preferences, with the MX Silent Red focusing on a more subdued sound and the Splash Brothers providing a smoother, creamier tone.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its slightly textured surface, offering a different tactile experience compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers switches. The Splash Brothers switches, on the other hand, are described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, providing a varied and dynamic typing feel that caters to different preferences. While the MX Silent Red offers a textured feel for those who prefer some friction, the Splash Brothers switches provide a smoother and more responsive typing experience with a variety of tactile characteristics to choose from.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The MX Silent Red provides a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, while the Splash Brothers switches offer a creamy sound signature and a range of tactile qualities to cater to various preferences. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the MX Silent Red focusing on a quieter profile and the Splash Brothers offering a more dynamic and varied tactile feel. Ultimately, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of performance and typing satisfaction, with the choice between them depending on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you need a quieter typing experience for noise-sensitive spaces, the MX Silent Red switch is a great choice with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and snappy typing feel with a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose based on your personal typing needs and preferences.
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