Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics that each switch offers. The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches stand out for their impressive speed and tactile feedback, reminiscent of the dynamic duo they’re named after, Steph and Klay. With a shorter activation point and a long pole stem, these switches deliver a delightful typing experience accompanied by a creamy sound signature. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches provide a super smooth keystroke, leveraging the latest mold technology from Huano to achieve a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While the Splash Brothers are ideal for those seeking a snappy and responsive feel, the Strawberry Lattes cater to those who prioritize smoothness and stability during extended typing sessions. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Splash Brothers and Huano Strawberry Latte switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which notably affects the acoustic characteristics of each switch. The Splash Brothers use a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This material produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups due to its clear nature. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs a polyketone (POK) top housing, which, while still providing a smooth and visually appealing surface, excels in durability with superior shock resistance compared to common materials like Nylon and POM. The POK material generates a smooth and clacky sound, producing a distinct acoustic experience compared to the sharper tones of the polycarbonate used in the Splash Brothers.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Splash Brothers and Huano Strawberry Latte make use of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer nature allows it to absorb sound better than harder plastics, contributing to a rounder sound experience upon bottoming out the switches. As a result, the similarity in bottom housing materials means that both switches will deliver a consistent auditory timbre during actuation and bottom-out phases, despite the differences in their top housings. Therefore, the overall tonal experience when typing on these switches may blend certain attributes of both housing materials while maintaining their unique characteristics in vibration and sound resonance.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials in both the Splash Brothers and Huano Strawberry Latte leads to a diverse sound profile. While the POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte delivers a distinct character compared to the sharpness of polycarbonate, the nylon bottom housing serves as a common element that softens the impact sound and feel for both switches. This duality in materials illustrates how different housing combinations can yield similar tactile response yet vary in auditory feedback, ultimately allowing keyboard enthusiasts to select switches that align with their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces are notable. The Splash Brothers switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Strawberry Latte has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Strawberry Latte requires some initial effort to trigger a keystroke, making it marginally heavier in terms of actuation compared to the Splash Brothers. However, both switches are considered light overall. The heavier bottom out force of the Splash Brothers (48 grams) compared to the Strawberry Latte (45 grams) provides a slightly more pronounced feeling upon bottoming out. Users who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Splash Brothers due to its lighter bottom out sensation, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may appreciate the Strawberry Latte for its actuation feel. Overall, with their different characteristics, these switches cater to varying preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find that the Splash Brothers has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This 0.1 mm difference indicates that the Splash Brothers offers a marginally shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a heartier depth might find the 3.6 mm of the Strawberry Latte more satisfying. Overall, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Jwick Splash Brothers provides a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Jwick Splash Brothers and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, both offer distinct auditory experiences. The Splash Brothers exhibit a creamy sound signature, which adds a pleasant texture to each keystroke, while maintaining a balanced and neutral tone that is versatile for various environments, from home to work. The Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, is characterized by a balanced sound profile that falls neither on the side of being too quiet nor overly resonant. Together, they provide different sound experiences, with the Splash Brothers offering a slightly more unique and lush audio quality, making them suitable for users who appreciate a bit more character in their typing sounds.
In terms of tactile feel, the Splash Brothers switches present a multifaceted experience. They are known for their mildness, making them approachable for a wide audience, while also offering snappy responsiveness and a bouncy sensation that contributes to a lively typing experience. This combination suggests a well-rounded and enjoyable feel for both casual and enthusiastic typists. However, details about the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches are not available, leaving a gap in direct comparison. Nevertheless, it can be inferred that they are engineered for smoothness, considering the use of the latest molds, which would likely provide a refined typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a creamy sound and a complex tactile experience with multiple enjoyable sensations, the Huano Strawberry Latte presents a more neutral sound profile with an unknown tactile quality. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you may find yourself drawn to one over the other. If sound is a vital factor for you, the Splash Brothers add a delightful character, whereas the Strawberry Latte could serve those seeking a simpler, balanced aural experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing preferences, making either a worthy choice based on what qualities you value most in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a snappy and bouncy feel with a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers would be your ideal pick. Its light activation force combined with a shorter travel distance makes for quick key presses, ideal for fast-paced gaming or responsive typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a super smooth experience paired with a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte switch might be the better choice. With a slightly lower bottom-out force, this switch offers gentle feedback that is well-suited for prolonged typing sessions without being excessively noisy. If you value a touch of vibrancy in your keystrokes while maintaining a comfortable and polished feel, the Strawberry Latte will likely serve you better. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how much you prioritize sound, tactile feedback, and the overall typing sensation that fits your unique style, whether for gaming or everyday typing tasks.
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