Gateron Quinn vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Quinn and Jwick Splash Brothers are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Quinn switches are tactile switches that provide a crisp and light tactile feedback with each keystroke. Users can expect a precise and clean tactile bump, accompanied by a deep and resonant sound profile that adds character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches are linear switches known for their shorter activation and long pole stem, resulting in a great typing feel. These switches offer a creamy sound signature, providing a gentle and subtle typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, giving users a range of options to choose from based on their preference. 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
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ in their housing materials, with the Quinn having a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Splash Brothers have a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The Quinn's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softness that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers allows for RGB lighting, making it a great choice for those who want illuminated switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Quinn and the Splash Brothers use nylon. As a result, they both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. This softer plastic creates a duller and rounder sound experience, enhancing the typing experience for users of both switches.
When pressing down on a key, the impact and sound will primarily be influenced by the bottom housing material. Therefore, for both the Quinn and the Splash Brothers, the characteristics brought by the nylon bottom housing will be felt in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. However, when releasing a key, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound. The Quinn's nylon top housing will provide a rounder and duller sound, while the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing will create a clearer and more resonant sound.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn and the Jwick Splash Brothers showcase distinct housing material choices that result in different sound profiles. The Quinn's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Splash Brothers with their polycarbonate housing produce a sharper and crisper sound. However, when it comes to the nylon bottom housing, both switches share similar sound qualities. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and the desire for RGB lighting capabilities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams, while the Splash Brothers' actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Quinn requires 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Splash Brothers only requires 48 grams, making it lighter.
Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Splash Brothers switch. The lighter actuation force of the Splash Brothers allows for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. This can be advantageous for individuals who need to type for extended periods, have a preference for a lighter touch, or often engage in prolonged gaming sessions.
On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Quinn switch would be a better choice. With a heavier bottom out force, it provides a stronger push feel, giving typists a sense of stability and satisfaction when pressing the keys. This may be preferable for individuals who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced typing feedback.
In summary, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Quinn switch has a medium-heavy actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, offering a robust typing experience, whereas the Splash Brothers switch has a lighter actuation force and a lighter bottom out force, providing a smoother and potentially faster typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is slightly longer at 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance option, such as the Quinn, can result in a more responsive typing or gaming experience. However, for some individuals, short travel distances can feel too abrupt. In such cases, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance, like the Splash Brothers, may provide a more satisfying depth to the switch's movement. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Quinn and Jwick Splash Brothers switches will depend on individual preferences for either a shorter and more responsive feel or a slightly longer and more substantial travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
The Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch is best known for its crisp, light switch-like tactility and deep, resonant sound profile. With each keystroke, users can expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump, accompanied by a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The sound of the Quinn switches can be described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, offering a deeper, sharper, and more immersive auditory experience. The feel of the Quinn switches is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a super responsive, smooth, lively, and effortless typing sensation.
On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is best known for its shorter activation and long pole stem, which gives the switches a great typing feel. While the exact sound qualities of the Splash Brothers switches are unknown, they are described as having a creamy sound signature. The feel of the Splash Brothers switches is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a more gentle typing experience with a safe, approachable sound and feel.
In summary, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn switches provide a deep, resonant sound profile with a crisp tactile bump, while the Splash Brothers switches are described as having a creamy sound signature. The Quinn switches offer a range of tactile feedback options, from snappy and bouncy to accented and buttery, while the Splash Brothers switches provide a milder, safer, and more gentle typing experience with a snappy and bouncy feel. It is important to note that the sound and feel of switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. So, while the results may not be exactly the same, users can expect similar levels of overall satisfaction and enjoyment based on their preferred sound and feel qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a unique combination of light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, then the Gateron Quinn switches would be a great choice for you. These switches are best known for their crisp and clean tactile bump, providing a precise typing experience. In terms of sound, the Quinn switches offer a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, which adds character to the typing experience. Additionally, the Quinn switches have a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, and buttery feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light bottom-out force and a great typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches should be your pick. These switches are best known for their shorter activation and long pole stems, giving them a special typing feel. In terms of sound, the Splash Brothers switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for different purposes. In terms of feel, these switches offer a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished experience, providing a gentle typing feel with a smooth and refined finish. Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Quinn and Jwick Splash Brothers switches will depend on your preference for tactile or linear switches, bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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