Outemu Silver vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers mechanical keyboard switches, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Silver is a linear switch best known for its neutral characteristics, while the Splash Brothers, also a linear switch, is celebrated for its snappy and bouncy feel, reminiscent of the famed basketball duo Steph and Klay. The Silver switch is categorized as a smooth switch, while the Splash Brothers are categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that intend to use RGB lighting. However, despite both switches using the same material for their top housing, there may still be slight variations in sound and feel depending on other factors such as the design and manufacturing process.
On the other hand, the Silver and the Splash Brothers differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Silver using nylon and the Splash Brothers also utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, despite the similarities in the bottom housing material, there may still be nuances in the typing experience between the two switches based on their overall design and construction.
When comparing the overall sound and feel of the Outemu Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is important to note that the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Silver likely to have a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Splash Brothers may provide a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, with an unknown actuation force. This makes the Splash Brothers switch a lighter option compared to the Silver switch. The actuation force of a switch is essential as it determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press a key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor a heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Splash Brothers. The 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. If you prefer a more traditional and deeper key press, the Outemu Silver may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize faster response times and a shallower key press, the Jwick Splash Brothers could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so it comes down to personal preference in determining which one suits your needs best.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silver 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 Silver is not known for any particular sound profile, while the Jwick Splash Brothers is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that the Splash Brothers offer a moderate sound that is suitable for most users in various settings. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silver switch does not have any specific feel characteristics listed, while the Jwick Splash Brothers are described as having a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. This means that the Splash Brothers provide a gentle typing experience with responsive and lively feedback, as well as smooth and refined key travel. These qualities make the Splash Brothers suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a comfortable and polished typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silver and Jwick Splash Brothers switches may have different sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. If you enjoy a neutral sound with a moderate typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specific sound profile but are open to exploring various feel characteristics, the Outemu Silver might be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfactory typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of quality performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silver linear switch or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Silver switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, the Splash Brothers switch could be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a neutral sound profile and a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, or polished typing feel, the Splash Brothers switch may be more appealing to you due to its unique characteristics inspired by the dynamic duo, Steph and Klay. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the specific qualities you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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