Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer two distinct yet appealing experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Splash Brothers switches, renowned for their shorter activation distance and long pole stem, deliver a unique "speed" typing feel, reminiscent of a dynamic duo ready to take on any challenge. Their creamy sound signature adds an auditory pleasantness that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches prioritize smoothness, featuring Ly stems that provide a buttery typing experience, coupled with a resonant sound profile that adds depth to each keystroke. While both switches are linear and designed to minimize resistance for fast typing, the Splash Brothers focus on quick actuation for speed lovers, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes a smooth, consistent touch ideal for those who prefer a laid-back yet responsive feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s perfect for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Splash Brothers and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize the same top housing material, polycarbonate, which lends both switches a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its durability and rigidity, which contribute to the sharper, higher-pitched sounds that typists often seek. This characteristic is especially beneficial for RGB lighting setups, as polycarbonate’s translucency allows for vibrant illumination. The shared material means that users of both switches can expect a clear and resonant audio experience, enhancing the overall acoustics during use.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which introduces a distinct sound quality that complements the features of the polycarbonate tops. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, which allows it to absorb more sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when a key is pressed down, as it dampens the impact noise associated with keystrokes. Therefore, while both the Splash Brothers and Tomcat (Heavy) benefit from a crisp top-end sound due to their polycarbonate tops, the deeper tones produced by their nylon bottoms create a varied auditory experience that gives each switch its unique character.
When combined, the interaction between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both switches contributes to an overall balanced sound profile. As the top housing affects the sound upon release, while the bottom housing influences the sound upon pressing down, users can enjoy a full range of audio characteristics. This integration of materials ensures that even though each switch has its unique qualities, users can anticipate a comparable performance that highlights both the clarity of the polycarbonate and the warmth of the nylon. As a result, the consistent use of these materials across both switch designs means that they will deliver similar auditory outcomes while still allowing for individual distinctions in tactile feedback.
Weight
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch present contrasting experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Splash Brothers switch features an unknown actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as light. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch demands a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. Therefore, while the Splash Brothers offers a more effortless keystroke experience, the Tomcat caters to those who prefer a firmer push. As a result, the Splash Brothers is the lighter option, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, whereas the Tomcat may appeal to users looking for a more substantial feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find a slight difference that may appeal to varying preferences in typing experience. The Splash Brothers features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Splash Brothers the shorter option, which may cater to gamers and typists seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keypress. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in distance, the choice between them would largely depend on whether one prefers the quicker actuation of the shorter travel distance or the more pronounced depth offered by the longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99.
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 the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, the Splash Brothers are recognized for their creamy sound signature, which provides a pleasant auditory experience. In contrast, while the Tomcat (Heavy) boasts a resonant sound profile, specific details regarding its sound characteristics remain unknown. It's important to note that sound perception can vary significantly based on individual setups, such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials, so users may find that both switches can be tailored to suit personal preferences in acoustic response.
In terms of feel, the Splash Brothers offer a range of sensations, including a mild touch that promotes a more gentle typing experience suited for both beginners and seasoned typists. The snappy and bouncy elements enhance the tactile response, providing an energizing feedback loop when typing, while maintaining a subtle resistance. Furthermore, the polished nature of these switches ensures a smooth experience, likely due to high-quality materials and lubrication. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switches are currently unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the overall typing experience between the two.
In conclusion, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch presents users with a creamy sound profile coupled with a multifaceted feel—ranging from mild to bouncy—the specific characteristics of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, particularly in terms of sound and feel, are less clearly defined. This disparity leaves potential users with a more comprehensive understanding of the Splash Brothers, making it a more predictable option for those seeking a well-balanced typing experience. As always, individual preferences play a crucial role, and experimentation with both switches in different setups may yield interesting results.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and use cases. If you prefer a light and responsive switch that offers a snappy, bouncy feel, the Splash Brothers would be an excellent choice, especially if you're doing rapid typing or gaming where every keystroke matters. Its creamy sound combined with a mild typing feel makes it versatile for both home and office environments, providing an approachable experience whether you are a beginner or a seasoned typist. On the other hand, if you find satisfaction in a more substantial keypress and require a smoother, resonant keystroke, then the Tomcat (Heavy) might be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy actuation force and the refined Ly stems lend themselves well to a stable typing experience, particularly beneficial for long typing sessions where you may appreciate more feedback from the switch. Thus, your choice should reflect how you value responsiveness versus weight, sound preference, and overall typing ergonomics, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience aligns with your personal style and daily activities.
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