Kailh Sage vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch. The Sage is renowned for its invigorating and sharp clicky typing experience, offering a refreshing feel for those who enjoy a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers linear switches boast a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a snappy and smooth typing experience. These switches have a creamy sound signature and are categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Sage and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material provides similar benefits for both switches. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiff nature contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent property of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics from the polycarbonate top housing of both the Sage and the Splash Brothers.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Sage and the Splash Brothers differs in material, with the Sage employing nylon and the Splash Brothers utilizing the same material. The Sage's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Splash Brothers' nylon bottom housing offers similar qualities, leading to a similar typing experience in terms of sound. Therefore, users can expect a comparable deep and full sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housing, whether it is the Sage or the Splash Brothers.
It is important to note that when a switch has different materials for the top and bottom housings, the qualities associated with each housing material are divided. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect variations in the sound and feel depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing a key, particularly with switches like the Sage and the Splash Brothers that incorporate different housing materials for the top and bottom.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we find some interesting differences. Unfortunately, the actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, we can still analyze the bottom out forces. The Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which can be categorized as medium-heavy, providing a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions. While we cannot compare the actuation forces directly, it is likely that the Splash Brothers will have a lighter actuation force than the Sage, as it generally follows that a lighter bottom out force corresponds to a lighter actuation force. Ultimately, weight preference plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Sage, while those seeking a lighter touch may find the Splash Brothers more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that the two switches have slightly different distances. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it can still have an impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. For those who prefer a quicker response time, the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers may be more suitable. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial press may find the longer travel distance of the Sage to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. Both options are capable of providing similar results, but the subtle discrepancy in travel distance may influence the overall feel and responsiveness for certain users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Sage 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
The Kailh Sage clicky switch is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience. It provides a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is known for its shorter activation and long pole stem, which contribute to a great typing feel. It also offers a creamy sound signature.
In terms of sound, the Kailh Sage switch produces a crunchy sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a moderate sound level suitable for various purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Jwick Splash Brothers switch, on the other hand, offers a more mild typing experience that is approachable to most people. It is responsive, snappy, and bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a subtle resistance. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage provides a crunchy sound and an invigorating, sharp feel, while the Splash Brothers has a neutral sound and a more mild, snappy, and bouncy feel. However, it is important to remember that individual preferences and other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used, can also influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a distinct clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Kailh Sage switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a sharp clickiness and a weight that some may find invigorating. The sound signature of the Sage switches can be described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear switch, then the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is worth considering. These switches have a shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, resulting in a great typing feel. The sound profile of the Splash Brothers switch is neutral, making it suitable for various environments and skill levels. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switch offers qualities such as a mild and approachable typing experience, snappiness, bounciness, subtlety, and a polished finish. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch depends on your preferences for feedback, weight, sound, and feel.
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