Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers lightning-fast actuation and a thocky sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a popular choice. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer a great typing feel with a shorter activation and a creamy sound signature. While the Smoothie Silver is all about unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, the Splash Brothers switches are praised for their dynamic feel and snappy response. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials. The Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Splash Brothers utilizes a polycarbonate top housing to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast highlights how different housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing maintains the same pleasing sound profile as its top housing, offering a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers uses a nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinction demonstrates how the choice of bottom housing material can affect the overall sound experience of a switch, with nylon absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone compared to POM.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both switches showcase the impact that each housing material can have on the sound profile. Whether it be the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver or the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers, each material contributes to a unique sound experience. Similarly, the contrast between the POM and nylon bottom housings further emphasizes how varying materials can shape the overall sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, it becomes apparent that they offer different experiences. The Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort. In contrast, the Splash Brothers has a light bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down the keys. This means that the Smoothie Silver is lighter in feel, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where lighter actuation is preferred. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, catering to those who enjoy a more solid and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both provide a relatively short key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as having a creamy sound signature, which may offer a more subdued and smoother typing experience. It is important to note that sound preferences are subjective and can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is praised for its unmatched smoothness and feather-light touch, offering a seamless typing experience. In comparison, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. This indicates that the Splash Brothers switch provides a gentle yet responsive typing feel with a subtle feedback and refined key travel. The different qualities of these switches cater to varying preferences in typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Smoothie Silver is known for its thocky sound and feather-light touch, the Splash Brothers provides a creamy sound signature and a more gentle yet snappy typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches or considering your specific typing needs can help determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and lightning-fast actuation, the Smoothie Silver is the way to go. The thocky sound and smoothness of these switches make them great for quick typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers might be more your style. With its shorter activation and long pole stem, these switches offer a great typing feel. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and enjoy a personalized typing experience.
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