Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing or gaming experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can make all the difference, and two standout options to consider are the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight and all-POM composition, delivering a satisfying thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a premium feel without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a unique edge with their shorter activation distance and long pole stem, creating a speedy, responsive typing experience complemented by a creamy sound signature. Both switches deliver exceptional performance, but they cater to slightly different experiences—whether you prioritize a more restrained, thocky response or a quicker, snappier feel. 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it's evident that the choice of materials significantly influences the sound profiles and tactile experiences offered by each switch. The Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This unique auditory characteristic provides a pleasing overall typing experience, emphasizing a more subdued acoustic response. In contrast, the Splash Brothers employs a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The nature of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to its ability to create a more resonant sound, making the typing experience more lively than that provided by the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM casing.
The bottom housing materials also provide distinct auditory dynamics for each switch. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing similarly engenders a muted sound, mirroring the sound qualities of the top housing, thereby ensuring a consistent acoustic experience throughout. Conversely, the Splash Brothers features a nylon bottom housing, which is described as a classic material offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due, in part, to nylon's softer plastic composition, allowing it to absorb sound waves effectively. The combination of nylon's absorption properties and polycarbonate's clarity results in an engaging typing experience that contrasts with the Sea Salt Smoothie's more homogeneous sound.
Ultimately, while the Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jwick Splash Brothers utilize different materials, both switches provide distinct acoustic profiles that appeal to different preferences. Should a user desire results similar to the Sea Salt Smoothie's muted characteristics while using the Splash Brothers, they can appreciate the nuanced sound qualities offered by the nylon bottom together with the polycarbonate top. Each housing's attributes work together to create a unique typing experience; the sound and feel are not only a product of their individual components, but also of their interactions when the switch is engaged. Whether one prefers the deeper tones of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the resonant clarity of the Splash Brothers will largely depend on personal taste, but both offer compelling experiences based on their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we find notable differences that cater to different user preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, which provides a noticeable resistance when typing, making it suitable for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. However, its bottom out force is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it responds when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch features an unknown actuation force but boasts a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is categorized as light. This indicates that the Splash Brothers may be easier to bottom out after a keystroke compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie, suggesting it could be more comfortable for extended use or gaming sessions where lighter touch is preferred. In summary, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the heavier option due to its specific actuation force, while the Splash Brothers provides a lighter overall experience with its bottom out force configuration, appealing to users who favor less resistance during long typing or gaming periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we can see that the Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the longer option by 0.2 mm, which might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced key press for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers’s shorter travel distance may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times and faster actuation. Ultimately, users who prioritize a more responsive feel would benefit from the Splash Brothers, whereas those who appreciate a deeper keystroke might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a thocky sound profile, which adds a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable and conducive to a more immersive typing experience. This contrasts with the Jwick Splash Brothers, which produce a creamy sound signature. While both switches have unique auditory characteristics, the Sea Salt Smoothie's emphasis on a thocky sound can feel more satisfying for those who favor a deeper tone, whereas the Splash Brothers provide a softer and potentially less intrusive auditory experience, making them suitable for quieter environments.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its exceptional smoothness, which enhances the typing experience and allows for fluid key presses. The Jwick Splash Brothers are characterized by a unique combination of mild and snappy attributes. Users can expect a gentle typing experience combined with responsive feedback due to the longer springs, which results in a lively and engaging touch. Additionally, the bouncy nature of the Splash Brothers gives a distinct elastic feel that makes typing feel more dynamic. This variety in feedback makes the Splash Brothers approachable for many users, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's smoothness is geared towards those seeking refined key travel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Sea Salt Smoothie triumphs with its thocky auditory feedback and smooth typing experience, while the Splash Brothers impress with a creamy sound and a dynamic feel that caters to a broader range of preferences. If you're drawn to either type of switch, you can expect to enjoy a satisfying and engaging typing experience, albeit with different auditory and tactile traits that cater to various tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a smooth and thocky sound profile along with a moderate weight for a satisfying keystroke, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be your ideal pick. Its sleek design and exceptional smoothness make it suitable for both enthusiasts and casual users. On the other hand, if you prefer a livelier typing experience with a quicker response time, the Splash Brothers offer a light bottom-out force of 48 grams combined with a creamy sound, making it a great choice for gaming and fast-paced typing. The mild and snappy feel caters well to those who enjoy an engaging and tactile experience without being overly pronounced. Consider where you'll be using your keyboard most—if it's in a shared space, the quieter and subtler sound of the Sea Salt Smoothie could be beneficial. In contrast, if you crave speed and a bouncy feel for dynamic typing sessions, the Splash Brothers is your go-to option. Ultimately, both switches are excellent contenders, so select the one that aligns best with your preferences for comfort, sound, and responsiveness.
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