KTT Orange vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the KTT Orange and the Jwick Splash Brothers. The KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy type feel, provided by a 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vibrant orange nylon bottom housing, this switch offers a slick and frictionless typing experience, accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the KTT Orange switch's factory-lubing ensures a refined and fluid key travel, minimizing friction and maximizing smoothness. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch features a unique combination of a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a satisfying typing feel. Along with this, these linear "speed" switches emanate a creamy sound signature. Overall, the KTT Orange switch can be described as bouncy, frictionless, and low-pitched, while the Jwick Splash Brothers switch falls under the categories of neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Jwick Splash Brothers keyboards share many similarities. Both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting in the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics from both the Orange and the Splash Brothers keyboards' polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Orange and the Jwick Splash Brothers keyboards differ in their choice of materials. The Orange utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Splash Brothers features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Compared to polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality. Thus, users can expect a subtle variation in sound experience between the Orange and the Splash Brothers keyboards, with the latter offering a slightly deeper and fuller typing sound due to its nylon bottom housing.
It's worth noting that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a key, you will feel the impact and experience the sound influenced by the bottom housing. As such, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing primarily affects the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings of the Orange and the Splash Brothers keyboards may differ, the overall typing experience and the sound produced will still be influenced by the unique characteristics of each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Orange switch is 46 grams, while the force required for actuation in the Splash Brothers switch is currently unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a light touch for both.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the lighter weight of the Splash Brothers switch may be appealing. This allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Orange switch provides a slightly stronger push feel with its actuation force of 46 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
It is important to note that even though the actuation force of the Splash Brothers switch is not specified, its bottom out force is the same as the Orange switch. This suggests that they may provide similar results in terms of typing experience, although the initial force required for actuation may differ. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences - whether one prefers a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is the same, measuring at 3.5 mm. When pressing down on a key, both switches offer a consistent and precise distance that ensures a comfortable typing experience. In terms of travel distance, users can expect similar results from both switches as they provide the same level of key depression. This similarity in travel distance allows for smooth and efficient typing, regardless of whether one chooses the KTT Orange or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 KTT Orange switch is known for its low-pitched profile. These switches have a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can provide a pleasant and soothing typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, not too loud or too soft, making it suitable for a variety of environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The 22mm long spring gives it a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, creating a lively and rebounding feel when pressed. Additionally, the switch is factory-lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless key travel with minimal friction. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch provides a mild and snappy typing experience. It falls on the safer side in terms of characteristics, offering a gentle feel without any pronounced characteristics. With its snappy responsiveness, typing on these switches can feel more alive. The switch also has a subtle resistance and a polished finish, further enhancing the overall typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Orange and Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and frictionless feel, while the Splash Brothers switch offers a neutral sound profile with a mild and snappy feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, if you prefer a similar sound and feel, you can expect a comparable experience with either switch. It's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used to fully customize your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a bouncy and frictionless feel, the KTT Orange linear switch is a great choice. With its 53-gram bottom out force, these switches offer a slick and smooth typing experience. The polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing contribute to the overall bouncy feel. Additionally, the low-pitched sound profile adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to your typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with a mild and snappy feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is worth considering. With a 48-gram bottom out force, these switches provide a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The creamy sound signature adds a touch of elegance to your keystrokes. The shorter activation and long pole stem contribute to the snappy and responsive feel of these switches.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Orange and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, feel, and sound. Consider whether you prefer a medium-light or light switch, and whether you prefer a bouncy and frictionless feel or a mild and snappy feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
