TTC Neptune vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Neptune and Jwick Splash Brothers are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Neptune is praised for its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth and frictionless glide combined with a springy resistance that gives each keystroke a textured pleasure. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers are known for their shorter activation and long pole stem, offering a snappy and bouncy typing feel with a creamy sound signature. While the Neptune is buttery and gummy with a muted sound, the Splash Brothers are described as neutral and subtle with a polished feel. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different preferences, whether you prefer a more textured typing experience with the Neptune or a snappy and bouncy feel with the Splash Brothers. 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
41g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Neptune features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively muted sound profile, while the Splash Brothers boasts a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The aesthetic difference is also noteworthy, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, while the opaque POM housing does not. In terms of bottom housing, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the sound profile of its top housing, while the Splash Brothers's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition.
However, despite these differences, both the Neptune and Splash Brothers share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate. While the Neptune only uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Splash Brothers utilizes this material for both the top and bottom housings. This means that both switches benefit from the sharp, clear, and resonant sound profile that polycarbonate provides. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, are aspects that are consistent across both switches.
In conclusion, the TTC Neptune and Jwick Splash Brothers offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics due to their different housing materials. The Neptune's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Splash Brothers's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in both switches provides a consistent sharp and clear sound profile, while the differences in bottom housing materials contribute to varying depths and fullness in sound. Whether you prefer the unique sound of POM or the sharpness of polycarbonate, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light weights. The Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Splash Brothers has an actuation force of unknown grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Neptune slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, but heavier when it comes to bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Splash Brothers for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Neptune to provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar light feel and would result in comparable outcomes when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. If you're looking for a quick and responsive key press, the Splash Brothers may be the better choice with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel, the Neptune switch with its slightly longer travel distance could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched and muted sound signature, providing a refined and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer pleasant auditory feedback, with the Neptune leaning towards a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Splash Brothers provide a more moderate sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Neptune linear switch is praised for its buttery, gummy, and frictionless typing experience, giving users a smooth, effortless, and uniform sensation with every keystroke. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a mild and polished typing feel, catering to a wide range of users with its gentle and refined key travel. Additionally, the Splash Brothers include characteristics like snappy and bouncy feedback, providing a more lively typing experience compared to the Neptune.
In conclusion, while the TTC Neptune and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. The Neptune excels in providing a matte, textured feel with a muted sound signature, ideal for those seeking a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers deliver a more dynamic feel with a neutral sound profile, catering to users looking for a versatile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the TTC Neptune if you value a light bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a typing experience that feels smooth, almost frictionless, and reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. The Neptune's ultralight build ensures swift and effortless typing with a muted sound signature for a refined ambiance. On the other hand, opt for the Jwick Splash Brothers if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and appreciate a creamy sound signature along with a shorter activation and long in-pole stem. The Splash Brothers offer a versatile typing experience with options for a subtle, snappy, bouncy, or polished feel to suit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a unique "matte" feel with a low-pitched, muted sound like the Neptune or a dynamic, neutral sound with a mild, snappy jwick switches.
Mentioned in this article
