Jwick Splash Brothers vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy contenders emerge: the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX SU, both linear switches renowned for their unique characteristics. The Splash Brothers, often compared to the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, stand out with their shorter activation distance and long pole stem, offering a smooth and enjoyable typing experience complemented by a creamy sound signature. This switch caters to those seeking a neutral and polished feedback, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate speed without compromising on feel. On the other hand, the HMX SU boasts a robust PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem, creating a subtly deep sound profile that resonates with users who prefer a more grounded auditory experience. While both switches provide a linear feel that minimizes tactile feedback, the choice between them may ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and activation style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers to the HMX SU, one notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Splash Brothers utilize a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile during typing. This material also enhances the visual appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is employed, as its translucent nature allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing, which, due to its softer characteristics, offers a deeper and fuller sound. Consequently, the difference in the top housing materials significantly influences the auditory experience of each switch, with the Splash Brothers favoring brightness and clarity whereas the SU leans towards warmth and richness in sound.
However, both the Splash Brothers and the HMX SU share common ground with their bottom housing, as both employ nylon materials. This is consistent in both models, where the nylon contributes to the production of a duller and rounder sound profile. As a classic switch housing material, nylon absorbs sound effectively, fostering a sonic environment that emphasizes a more muted and rounded acoustic. This shared characteristic ensures that the bottom-out sound and overall feel during typing are homogeneous across both switch designs, reinforcing a sense of familiarity for users who may switch between the two models.
Ultimately, the synergy between the differing top housing materials and the identical bottom housings leads to a well-rounded experience for users of both the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX SU. The acoustic profile of each switch is defined by the combined effects of these materials, where the polycarbonate top of the Splash Brothers highlights the high-end frequencies while the nylon bottom retains a softness that enhances tactile feedback. Conversely, the HMX SU's nylon top produces a more mellow sound, with the consistency in the nylon bottom maintaining a cohesive foundation across both switches. Thus, despite their differences in top housing materials, the resulting auditory and tactile experiences can be similar, thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing prevalent in both models.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jwick Splash Brothers has an actuation force that is unspecified, while its bottom out force is measured at 48 grams, indicating a light resistance when pressed fully. In contrast, the HMX SU switch has a defined actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. Despite both switches being in the light category, the Splash Brothers could provide a different typing experience due to its unknown actuation force; this could mean a softer or more responsive keystroke. Ultimately, for users who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions, the Jwick Splash Brothers may still appeal due to its low bottom out force, but the HMX SU offers a more structured feel with its known actuation force, making it suitable for those who favor a stronger push.
Travel distance
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Splash Brothers offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times, enhancing overall speed and efficiency during intense gameplay. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its longer travel distance, might provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for users who prefer a deeper actuation, likely making it more comfortable for typing or prolonged use. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Jwick Splash Brothers will generally feel more responsive, while the HMX SU may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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
In terms of sound, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch provides a creamy sound signature that is pleasant to the ears, making it suitable for both workspaces and home environments. Its neutral sound profile strikes a balance that can appeal to a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or seasoned typists. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch features a relatively deep sound profile, which is subtle but might come off as less versatile depending on the context. While both switches have distinct audio characteristics, the Splash Brothers' creamy and neutral tone lends itself to versatility, while the SU's deeper profile has its appropriate niche.
When looking at the feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch excels in providing a gentle, mild experience that is complemented by its snappy and bouncy characteristics. The long pole stem allows for an enhanced typing feel, contributing to an awakened responsiveness that users often seek. Additionally, the polished nature of the Splash Brothers ensures smooth key travel, making for an effortless typing experience. The specific feel descriptors for the HMX SU linear switch are unknown, but if they offer any notable qualities, users can expect different experiences in tactile feedback that might be distinct from the Splash Brothers but still suitable for various typing styles.
In summary, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch distinguishes itself with its creamy sound profile and a well-rounded tactile sensation that includes snappiness and bounce. Meanwhile, the HMX SU linear switch presents a more subtle yet deeper sound, with its feel characteristics remaining unknown. Overall, both switches can cater to different preferences, and users may choose based on specific sound and feel needs. If you're looking for versatility and a refined experience, the Splash Brothers are a strong candidate, while the SU may appeal to those who prefer a deeper audio experience, despite its unknown tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lighter touch with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Splash Brothers may be your best pick. Its 48-gram bottom-out force and shorter actuation distance make it particularly responsive, perfect for fast typists or gamers looking for quick key presses. The creamy sound profile and mild typing experience also make it versatile enough for shared workspaces and casual home use. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound and a more substantial feel, the HMX SU with its slightly higher 50-gram bottom-out force might be more suitable. Its full PA12 housing can provide a more defined typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying sound and tactile feedback. Additionally, the subtle sound profile makes it a great choice for environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, consider your typing style, environment, and sound preferences to choose the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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