Kailh Plum vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch. The Plum stands out for its unique combination of a hefty feel and a minimal tactile bump, setting it apart from other tactile switches that typically prioritize weightiness and tactility. With a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, the Plum offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers boast linear "speed" switches that are reminiscent of the dynamic duo—Steph and Klay. These switches feature a shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, resulting in a fantastic typing feel. With a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers provide an added touch of elegance. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision when selecting your ideal switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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 Kailh Plum and the Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of the plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Therefore, both keyboards will provide a visually appealing and sonically enhanced experience when using the top housing with RGB lighting.
In terms of their bottom housing, the Plum features nylon while the Splash Brothers also incorporate nylon for this component. Nylon is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound, adding a touch of richness to the typing experience. Being a relatively softer plastic compared to harder materials, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This creates a distinct sound when typing on switches utilizing nylon as the bottom housing material. Thus, typing on both the Plum and the Splash Brothers will deliver a satisfying auditory experience with their nylon bottom housing, albeit with slight variations in tonality.
It's worth noting that the Kailh Plum and the Jwick Splash Brothers showcase a difference in their housing materials, with the former possessing a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the latter features polycarbonate for both top and bottom. This distinction implies that the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When depressing a key, the impact and sound when the switch bottoms out will be influenced more by the bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both keyboards offer unique auditory experiences with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the specific actuation forces for both switches are unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, it is noteworthy that the Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Splash Brothers has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a lighter touch.
Weight can play a significant role in the typing experience, as some individuals prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This can be beneficial for those using keyboards during work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
In terms of actuation force, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, the specific values for both switches are unknown. It is important to note that if the actuation forces of the two switches are similar, users can expect similar results in terms of trigger sensitivity.
To summarize, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force and an unknown actuation force, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a light bottom out force and an unknown actuation force. The weight of the switch is a consideration based on personal preference, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we can see that the Plum has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you value a more responsive feel, the Splash Brothers with its shorter travel distance would be a better choice. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Plum with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25, 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, both the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have a neutral profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Plum is described as having a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, and the Splash Brothers is said to have a creamy sound signature, the overall sound experience will depend on the user's setup and preferences.
In terms of feel, the Plum switch offers a mild typing experience. It is described as a mild switch, which means it provides a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. It falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the Plum switch is also described as a stepped switch, which means it has a two-stage feel. This means that users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke, enhancing the tactile feedback.
On the other hand, the Splash Brothers linear switch offers a mild typing experience as well. It is also described as snappy and bouncy, meaning that it is super responsive and provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switch is described as having a subtle and polished feel, with gentle resistance and a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer unique qualities in sound and feel. While the Plum switch has a unique weightiness without a huge tactile bump and a neutral sound profile, the Splash Brothers switch offers a shorter activation combined with a long pole stem for a great typing feel, with a creamy sound signature. Choosing between the two will depend on the user's preference for tactile feedback and sound characteristics. However, it is important to consider that individual keyboards, keycaps, and other factors can also influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch that offers a unique tactile experience without a pronounced bump, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It has a bottom out force of 70 grams, giving it a hefty feel, but its tactile feedback is more subtle compared to other tactile switches. The Plum also has a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable for both beginners and advanced users, making it suitable for any setting, whether at home or in the office.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and refined typing experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 48 grams, it offers a lightweight feel that is complemented by its creamy sound signature. The Splash Brothers switch is described as mild and snappy, providing a gentle typing experience while still being super responsive.
Ultimately, your decision between the Kailh Plum and Jwick Splash Brothers switches should depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize weightiness and a unique tactile experience, the Plum switch would be a good fit. However, if you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Splash Brothers switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer neutral sound profiles and approachable feels, making them versatile options for beginners and advanced users alike.
Mentioned in this article
