Outemu Red vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red and Jwick Splash Brothers both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Outemu Red is a linear switch that is best known for its simplicity and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers, also a linear switch, is praised for its shorter activation and long pole stem, providing a great typing feel reminiscent of the dynamic duo - Steph and Klay. Additionally, the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a creamy sound signature and are categorized as having a 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', 'Polished' feel. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, 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
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Red and Jwick Splash Brothers both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches will deliver a consistent sound experience with a focus on clarity and sharpness.
On the other hand, the Outemu Red and Jwick Splash Brothers differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Red employs a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Splash Brothers also utilize a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound. Despite this difference in bottom housing material, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a focus on enhancing the sound quality.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Red and Jwick Splash Brothers creates a balanced typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This division of qualities between the two housing materials ensures that users will enjoy a well-rounded sound profile that is crisp, clear, and resonant, whether typing quickly or releasing keys slowly.
Weight
The Outemu Red linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch which has an unknown actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Red requires 62 grams of force while the Jwick Splash Brothers only needs 48 grams. This makes the Splash Brothers switch lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a light typing experience, the Splash Brothers would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without as much fatigue. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Outemu Red switch might be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style to ensure an enjoyable typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Splash Brothers. The Red's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers' shorter 3.5 mm travel distance is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer different key press sensations, with the Red being more deliberate and the Splash Brothers being more responsive. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have a specific descriptor known for it, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that the Splash Brothers switch offers a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Ultimately, the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Moving on to feel, the Outemu Red switch does not have a specific descriptor for its feel, while the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is described as having a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. These qualities make the Splash Brothers switch provide a gentle typing experience with a lively feedback sensation, smooth key travel, and a middle-ground typing feel that is approachable to most users. Taking all the available information into account, while the specific qualities of the Outemu Red switch are unknown, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a unique combination of features that make it stand out, especially for users looking for a switch with a moderate sound profile and a smooth, responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between Outemu Red linear switches and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a more standard typing experience, the Outemu Red switches may be the way to go. However, if you are looking for a lighter bottom out force, a unique and dynamic typing experience reminiscent of the Splash Brothers themselves, and a creamy sound signature, then the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches are a great choice. Ultimately, the decision should come down to your personal preferences and what feels best for your typing style.
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