Cherry Nixie vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and Jwick Splash Brothers stand out as top contenders in the keyboard community. The Cherry Nixie is revered for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through the use of updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers are likened to the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, offering a unique linear "speed" switch experience with a shorter activation and long pole stem for a great typing feel. While the Cherry Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Jwick Splash Brothers boast characteristics such as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie's housing materials are consistent across the top and bottom with nylon, creating a deep and full sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile from the stiffer plastic. The Nixie's nylon bottom housing carries the same qualities as the top, while the Splash Brothers also utilize nylon for the bottom, providing a consistent dull and round sound throughout.
When comparing the Nixie and the Splash Brothers, the difference in housing materials is most apparent in the sound produced. The Nixie's nylon housing creates a warmer and more muffled sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Splash Brothers delivers a clearer and more resonant sound. However, both switches benefit from the qualities of their respective housing materials, offering unique typing experiences to suit different preferences. Despite the differing materials used, both switches maintain a similar level of durability and functionality, ensuring a reliable performance over time.
In terms of aesthetics, the Nixie and the Splash Brothers differ in their housing material choices. The Nixie's nylon housing offers a classic and understated appearance, while the polycarbonate housing of the Splash Brothers provides a sleek and modern look, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience remains the distinguishing factor between the two switches, with the Nixie offering a softer and mellower feel, and the Splash Brothers delivering a more defined and precise typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Cherry Nixie has a higher actuation force of 63.5 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a more substantial and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers has an unknown actuation force but a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a smoother and lighter typing feel. The Nixie is the heavier option, which some may prefer for its stronger push feel, while the Splash Brothers is the lighter option, ideal for those looking for a more comfortable typing experience for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Cherry Nixie offering a heavier feel and the Jwick Splash Brothers providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm on the Splash Brothers switch may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the 4 mm travel distance on the Nixie switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer deeper travel. Both switches offer a comparable experience in terms of linear functionality, but the slight difference in travel distance may be a deciding factor for users depending on their personal preference for keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch provides a creamy and neutral sound that is moderate in both actuation force requirement and sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, with the Nixie leaning towards a deeper and richer tone while the Splash Brothers provide a more neutral and versatile acoustic profile.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is prized for its textured typing experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a noticeable friction when pressing the keys. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a mild and snappy typing feel that is approachable for most users, providing a gentle typing experience with super responsive feedback. The Splash Brothers also feature a bouncy and subtle sensation, making the keys feel lively and providing a gentle resistance while maintaining a light typing feel. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities, with the Nixie focusing on a textured and friction-heavy experience while the Splash Brothers provide a smooth and responsive typing feel.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Nixie provides a deeper and textured typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound, the Splash Brothers offer a creamy and neutral typing feel that is mild, snappy, bouncy, and subtle. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the heft and traditional feel of the Nixie or the smooth and versatile performance of the Splash Brothers. In conclusion, both switches offer high-quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, providing a range of sound and feel characteristics to suit different preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a textured typing feel, the Cherry Nixie would be a great choice with its 80-gram bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother, more responsive typing experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers with its 48-gram bottom out force might be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the sound profile you prefer, with the Nixie offering a thocky, low-pitched sound and the Splash Brothers providing a neutral sound experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and desired typing experience.
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