Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers mechanical keyboard switches, gamers and typists alike are faced with a decision between speed and smoothness. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response, offering a linear action and low spring resistance that allows for instant triggering, ideal for those seeking to gain a competitive edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches boast a shorter activation and a unique typing feel, accompanied by a creamy sound signature that adds a touch of elegance to each keystroke. While the MX Speed Silver excels in maximizing speed with its textured and thocky characteristics, the Splash Brothers switches offer a more neutral and polished experience with a variety of subtle yet snappy qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and individual needs. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing while the Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound experience. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers is advantageous for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
On the other hand, both switches have a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the nylon top housing. The use of nylon in bottom housings is known for its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of bottom housings, the MX Speed Silver and the Splash Brothers share similar qualities in sound profile and typing experience. This consistency in the housing material of the bottom housing ensures a cohesive and uniform sound profile throughout the typing process, regardless of the switch being used.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile. While the MX Speed Silver and the Splash Brothers differ in their top housing materials, they both provide a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences. The top housing material influences the sound when pressing and releasing a key, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Understanding the properties of nylon and polycarbonate helps users make an informed decision based on their desired typing experience and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jwick Splash Brothers is lighter with 48 grams while the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver is unknown. For those who prefer a light touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be the preferable option with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different feels, so selecting the appropriate one depends on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in distance could impact the feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch to be more suitable, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver may be preferred by those looking for a more immediate response. Overall, both switches offer similar performance with only a minor variance in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 MX Speed Silver is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the MX Speed Silver catering more towards a deep and rich sound, while the Splash Brothers provide a more versatile and moderate sound output.
Moving on to feel, the MX Speed Silver is recognized for its textured nature, which may provide a unique tactile experience for users. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring a gentle yet responsive typing experience with smooth key travel. While the MX Speed Silver leans towards a textured feel, the Splash Brothers present a range of qualities that promote a comfortable and lively typing sensation, accommodating various preferences for tactile feedback.
Overall, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Speed Silver prioritizes rapid response and deep, thocky sounds, the Splash Brothers provide a neutral sound profile and a range of feel options from mild to polished. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect unique typing experiences from both switches, ultimately delivering satisfactory performance for gaming and typing tasks. Whether opting for the MX Speed Silver or Jwick Splash Brothers, users can anticipate similar results in terms of speed and responsiveness, with the choice boiling down to individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed and instantaneous response, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be an excellent choice with its lightning-fast actuation and low spring resistance. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a great typing feel with a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be a fantastic option with its shorter activation and long pole stem. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value speed and rapid response or a smooth typing experience with a pleasing sound. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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