Jwick Splash Brothers vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Sunset Gleam, both linear switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, yet they each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Splash Brothers switches are lauded for their shorter activation point and long pole stem, resulting in a dynamic and responsive feel that many users equate to the synergy of their namesake, the famous basketball duo. This switch is designed to provide a mildly snappy and subtle sound profile, delivering a delightful typing experience without overwhelming noise. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, prides itself on its carefully crafted materials, resulting in a gentle top-out and a satisfying clack that many typists appreciate. With superior factory lubrication, these switches promise a smooth glide, enhancing overall performance. Each switch has its unique charm—whether you prefer the speedy responsive nature of the Splash Brothers or the elegantly refined characteristics of the Sunset Gleam. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
The Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Sunset Gleam feature identical housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. Both switches exhibit polycarbonate's properties, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound produced, while its translucency makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This shared design element means that users of either switch can expect a visually striking aesthetic combined with an articulate audio experience. Consequently, individuals who appreciate vibrant RGB illumination will find both switches equally appealing in this regard.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Splash Brothers and Sunset Gleam utilize nylon, a classic choice recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted, rounder auditory experience. Given that both switches share this bottom housing material, the tactile feedback and acoustic performance will possess a similar quality. Users can anticipate that when typing, the interaction with the bottom housing will yield a consistent sound character across both switches, reminiscent of traditional mechanical switch experiences.
When considering the overall performance of these two switches, the distribution of sound characteristics between the top and bottom housings plays a significant role. While the polycarbonate top contributes to the sharpness and clarity in sound when releasing a key, the nylon bottom enhances the depth and fullness upon bottom-out. Because the Splash Brothers and Sunset Gleam employ the same materials in both top and bottom housings, users can expect harmonious, complementary characteristics in each switch. Thus, both models will deliver a balanced typing experience, unifying the defined upper frequencies with the more rounded lower tones.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are the same. The Splash Brothers has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that while it feels light when pressed down, the lack of specified actuation force makes it challenging to assess its overall performance. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a defined actuation force of 42 grams and also features a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Sunset Gleam the lighter option overall, as both switches bottom out at the same force but the Sunset Gleam provides a more tangible feedback at a known actuation force. Thus, for users seeking a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Sunset Gleam would be the preferable choice, while the Splash Brothers may offer a unique experience due to its unspecified actuation characteristics.
Travel distance
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning they provide identical key travel when pressed. This uniform distance allows users to expect similar tactile feedback and response when typing or gaming on keyboards equipped with either switch. As such, both switches can deliver a consistent and satisfying feel for users who prefer linear switches, ensuring that the experience remains comparable regardless of the choice between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers switch is characterized by a creamy sound signature that provides a pleasant auditory experience during typing. This neutral sound profile helps it blend well in various environments, making it suitable for both home and office use. In contrast, the sound attributes of the HMX Sunset Gleam remain undefined, meaning its acoustic qualities may vary or are not yet established. This variability may necessitate further exploration or personal testing to determine its sound characteristics compared to the Splash Brothers.
Regarding feel, the Splash Brothers switches offer a multifaceted typing experience. They boast a mild characteristic, making them approachable for a wide range of users, along with snappy responsiveness and a bouncy sensation that enhances feedback for an engaging typing experience. The polished finish contributes to smooth key travel and reduced friction. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Sunset Gleam are unspecified, leaving a gap in the comparative analysis. Users may need to try these switches first-hand to appreciate their tactile feedback fully.
In summary, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches are celebrated for their creamy sound and versatile feel, the characteristics of the HMX Sunset Gleam remain undefined in both sound and tactile response. This leaves a curious prospect for aspiring users to experiment with the Sunset Gleam to uncover its unique qualities. If sound is critical for you, consider the established attributes of the Splash Brothers, but for feel, personal testing of the Sunset Gleam will be essential to gauge its performance in comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a unique typing feel characterized by a snappy response and a bouncy rebound, the Splash Brothers could be your ideal choice. Its creamy sound signature and mild feel make it a versatile option suitable for both casual and more focused typing sessions, whether at home or in a shared workspace where noise levels matter. Conversely, if you find yourself gravitating towards a subtle yet satisfying auditory experience with a touch of clack and even smoother keystrokes, the Sunset Gleam should be your go-to. With its excellent factory lubrication and refined ergonomics, this switch can elevate your typing experience, especially if you prefer a more polished feel. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference; both switches offer a delightful typing experience, but understanding their characteristics can help you make the best decision for your setup.
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