Huano Sakura vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Sakura stands out for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it a great option for users who spend long hours typing and seek a smooth, fatigue-free experience. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers provide a shorter activation, coupled with a long pole stem, which enhances the typing experience with a snappy feel reminiscent of the dynamic duo they are named after, along with a creamy sound signature that many enthusiasts appreciate. While the Sakura appeals to those prioritizing comfort and noise moderation, the Splash Brothers attract users looking for a more responsive and lively typing sensation. 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
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The comparison of housing materials between the Huano Sakura and the Jwick Splash Brothers reveals distinct differences in their top housings and similarities in their bottom housings. The Sakura switch employs polyketone (POK) for its top housing, which is characterized by a smooth operation and excellent durability, boasting superior wear resistance and shock resistance when compared to other materials like POM and Nylon. The POK's slightly higher coefficient of friction provides a unique typing experience that can be described as smooth and clacky. In contrast, the Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for greater clarity and resonance, making it particularly appealing in applications where sound is paramount, especially with RGB lighting. While both materials aim to enhance the user experience, they do so in remarkably different acoustic and tactile ways.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which serves as a common denominator in sound production. This choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer nature, which absorbs more sound as opposed to amplifying it. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared use of nylon ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying, rounded auditory experience when pressed. This similarity also means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches are predominantly influenced by the characteristics of nylon, resulting in comparable performance in that aspect for both models.
In conclusion, while the Huano Sakura and Jwick Splash Brothers offer different experiences at the top due to their distinct materials, they converge in their bottom housing design. The POK material of the Sakura promotes a smooth typing experience complemented by clackiness, while the polycarbonate of the Splash Brothers enhances clarity and sound, particularly suitable for RGB setups. The common use of nylon in both models ensures that the fundamental tactile feel remains consistent for users, blending the unique properties of the top materials with a shared auditory quality that resonates with switch enthusiasts. Ultimately, the differences in top housing provide varied acoustic effects while the nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive sound experience.
Weight
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch present differing characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent option for users who prefer a lighter typing experience suitable for extended usage, such as at work or during lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch has an unknown actuation force, but it has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 48 grams. This suggests a firmer typing experience overall. The distinct differences in these switches' forces imply that the Sakura is the lighter option while the Splash Brothers leans towards a more substantial feel due to its increased bottom out force. Ultimately, if users are seeking a softer touch with less resistance, the Huano Sakura will meet their needs, while those preferring a heavier, more tactile response may opt for the Jwick Splash Brothers.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that the Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Splash Brothers has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, the shorter of the two. Both switches fall within the contemporary trend favoring shorter distances for enhanced responsiveness, appealing particularly to gamers seeking quick reaction times. However, the Huano Sakura's slightly greater travel distance may offer users a more tactile experience, which some may prefer for its depth and feedback. Ultimately, while both switches cater to a modern audience, the choice between them hinges on individual preference for travel distance and feel; the Sakura provides a bit more cushion, while the Splash Brothers delivers a more immediate actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch has medium acoustics that strike a balance suitable for extended typing sessions without being overly intrusive. This makes it versatile for both home and office environments. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch features a creamy sound signature, offering a more nuanced auditory experience that can enhance the enjoyment of each keystroke. While the Sakura switch provides a moderate sound level, the Splash Brothers' richer acoustic profile may appeal to those who appreciate a more melodious typing experience. It’s important to note that the overall sound can still vary depending on the keyboard’s materials and keycap choice.
Focusing on feel, the Sakura switch is renowned for its feather-light touch, making it an ideal choice for those who type for extended periods, as it reduces hand fatigue. The Jwick Splash Brothers, however, offer a multifaceted experience characterized by snappiness and bounce, owing to their shorter activation point and long pole stem. This results in a lively and responsive feel that can invigorate typing tasks. Moreover, the various descriptors associated with the Splash Brothers—like mild, subtle, and polished—suggest that this switch is designed for a smooth and refined experience, appealing to a range of preferences. In comparison, while the Sakura is designed for a lighter typing experience, the Splash Brothers deliver a dynamic and responsive feedback that adds excitement to every keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Sakura excels in providing a light touch and medium acoustics, making it well-suited for prolonged use, while the Splash Brothers stand out with their snappy and bouncy feel, enhanced by a creamy sound signature. Depending on what you're looking for—a softer typing experience or a more responsive and lively feel—you’ll find that each switch offers distinct advantages. Whether you gravitate towards the gentle nature of the Sakura or the dynamic characteristics of the Splash Brothers, each can deliver a satisfying typing experience based on your individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your priorities in typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter touch and find yourself engaging in long typing sessions, the Sakura switch, with its 45-gram bottom out force and medium acoustics, provides an effortless experience that minimizes fatigue. Its smooth feel is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a relatively quiet environment, making it a great choice for shared workspaces or as a primary typing switch. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that combines a responsive typing feel with a unique sound signature, the Splash Brothers offers a slightly firmer bottom out force of 48 grams along with a creamy auditory experience. The switch's shorter activation point and features like a snappy and bouncy feel make it ideal for fast-paced gaming or for users who enjoy a more dynamic typing sensation. Both switches have their merits, so consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it's the lightness and sound of the Sakura or the responsiveness and character of the Splash Brothers—and make your choice accordingly.
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