Outemu Brown vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer unique typing experiences. The Outemu Brown switch is a tactile switch, known for its subtle tactile bump during keypresses. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers is a linear switch, renowned for its shorter activation and long pole stem, providing a smooth typing feel. While the Outemu Brown switch is categorized as neutral and mild, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is described as snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal 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
53g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Brown and the Jwick Splash Brothers both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes the sound more clear and resonant, especially when RGB lighting is involved. However, the nylon bottom housings of the Brown and the Splash Brothers provide a different typing experience. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the difference lies in their nylon bottom housings. This split in housing materials means that the qualities of each material are felt and heard differently when pressing down on the switch or letting go of a key. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by the bottom housing, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when a key is released. Overall, the combination of the materials used in each housing contributes to the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switches. Whether it's the Brown with its nylon bottom housing or the Splash Brothers with their own version, the balance of materials complements each other to achieve a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for typists. The Outemu Brown has a medium-heavy actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a tactile feedback that requires a bit more force to initiate and complete a keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, although the actuation force is not specified. This means that the Splash Brothers switch will offer a smoother and lighter typing experience compared to the Brown switch. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter actuation force of the Splash Brothers for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force will play a significant role in determining the typing experience with each switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a slightly longer distance for keypresses compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference - if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and travel distance, the Outemu Brown tactile switch may be the better option. However, if you prioritize a quicker response time and a shorter travel distance, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its neutral profile, which means it offers a moderate sound level suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has been noted for its creamy sound signature, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Brown switch. Ultimately, the sound produced by either switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown switch has qualities that remain unspecified. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as having a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. This combination of characteristics indicates that the Splash Brothers switch offers a gentle yet responsive typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, making it a versatile option for many users.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Brown switch provides a neutral sound profile without specified feel characteristics, the Splash Brothers switch stands out for its creamy sound signature and a combination of mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel attributes. Depending on personal preferences and typing preferences, both switches can offer unique benefits, and experimenting with each can help determine which one best suits an individual's needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth linear typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch might be more to your liking. Consider factors such as sound profile, feel, and activation force when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that enhances your typing experience and meets your specific needs and preferences.
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