KTT Purple Star vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Purpleelinear switch, the Purple Star, and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both options offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Purple Star is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making it ideal for light typists who appreciate a 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press' switch. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers impress with their shorter activation and long pole stem, providing a great typing feel and a creamy sound signature. With categorizations like 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Splash Brothers appeal to those looking for a versatile and dynamic switch. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics. The Purple Star features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deep and pleasing sound profile that is relatively muted. In contrast, the Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers use nylon for the bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While the POM housing of the Purple Star provides a consistent deep and muted sound profile throughout the switch, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Splash Brothers splits the qualities between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced, influenced by the nylon material. Conversely, the top housing material, whether it be POM or polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials can create a dynamic typing experience with varying sound profiles depending on the stage of key press.
In terms of sound characteristics, the POM housing of the Purple Star and the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience, albeit through different avenues. Additionally, the use of nylon in the Splash Brothers' bottom housing further enhances the depth and fullness of the sound, providing a contrast to the relatively muted sound of the POM bottom housing in the Purple Star. Ultimately, both switches offer a variety of sound profiles and aesthetics for keyboard enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that both switches are on the lighter side. The Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Splash Brothers has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Splash Brothers requires slightly less force to bottom out compared to the Purple Star. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods. However, some users may find the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Purple Star to provide a more substantial typing feel compared to the Splash Brothers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The equal travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience between the two switches, allowing for similar results in terms of key press feel and feedback. The similarity in travel distance between the Purple Star and Splash Brothers switches makes them ideal choices for users who prefer a specific amount of key travel in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88, 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 KTT Purple Star switch offers a low-pitched tone with a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, making it soothing to the ears. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch provides a neutral sound signature, which is moderate and versatile for various typing environments. Both switches sound pleasant in their own ways, and the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, both the Purple Star and Splash Brothers switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Purple Star switch provides an easy-to-press key feel with minimal force required for activation, allowing for effortless and comfortable typing sessions. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a snappy and bouncy sensation, with a subtle resistance that is still light and enjoyable. Additionally, the polished finish of the Splash Brothers switch enhances the overall typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Overall, the KTT Purple Star and Jwick Splash Brothers switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Star switch leans towards a low-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press feel, the Splash Brothers switch provides a neutral sound signature with a snappy and bouncy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches offer a quality typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you are a light typist looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star with its light 50g bottom-out force would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a shorter activation and a more dynamic feel, the Splash Brothers with its creamy sound signature and lower 48g bottom-out force might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing habits and preferences before making a decision.
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