TTC Silent Red vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that combines a smooth typing experience with a quiet profile, the TTC Silent Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers are two great options to consider. The Silent Red is renowned for its buttery and muted characteristics, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise can be a concern. With a consistent, smooth feel throughout and a padded bottom-out for extra comfort, it provides a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers is more akin to its namesake basketball duo -- Steph and Klay -- delivering impressive speed with its shorter activation and long pole stem. These linear "speed" switches provide a great typing feel and emit a subtle and creamy sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch will best suit your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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 TTC Silent Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a more visually appealing experience. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Silent Red or the Splash Brothers switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Silent Red and the Splash Brothers employ nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As such, pressing down on either switch will provide a similar typing experience with regards to the bottom-out sound and feel.
It is important to note that the qualities brought about by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches. When you press down on these switches, you will predominantly feel the impact of the bottom housing, which contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the sound when releasing a key is primarily influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the Silent Red and Splash Brothers may share similar qualities in their housing materials, the distinction lies in the influence they have on the sound profile at different stages of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-heavy push feel, while the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Red has a higher force of 63.5 grams, which creates a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams.
Considering the weight aspect, the Silent Red is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Splash Brothers. This may be preferable for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience. However, if one prefers a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or marathon gaming sessions, the lighter bottom out force of the Splash Brothers would be more suitable. Though the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown, it is likely to provide similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference. The Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. Both distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the Splash Brothers would be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel may find the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Silent Red more suitable. Overall, while the travel distances of the two switches differ slightly, they both provide similar results and offer options for those with different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Red switch is best described as muted. Muted switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them perfect for use in office or shared living spaces where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. Neutral switches have a moderate sound profile and are suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its buttery, mild, and polished qualities. The buttery feel of these switches implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They also offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, as their qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the switches have a polished finish, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch has a mild and polished feel. Similar to the Silent Red, the mild feel of these switches provides a gentle typing experience that is suitable for most users. Additionally, the polished finish ensures reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. The Splash Brothers switch also offers snappy and bouncy qualities, providing a super responsive and lively feedback sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red switch has a muted sound profile, making it a great choice for quiet environments, while the Jwick Splash Brothers switch has a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild and polished experience, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Silent Red switch is described as buttery, the Splash Brothers switch offers additional qualities such as snappiness and bounciness. Depending on your personal preferences and requirements, either switch can provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. They have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a satisfying feel while typing. The Silent Red switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a more lively feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 48 grams, these switches have a lighter touch and are suitable for a variety of users, including beginners and advanced typists. The Splash Brothers switches have a creamy sound signature and offer a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. The combination of shorter activation and a long pole stem gives these switches a unique typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Silent Red switch is great for those who prioritize a silent and smooth typing experience, while the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is ideal for users who prefer a lighter and more lively feel. Consider your preferences and the intended use of the keyboard when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options depending on your specific needs.
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