Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch, and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, also a linear switch. These two mechanical keyboard switches may seem similar at first glance, but they each have unique features that make them stand out. The Splash Brothers are known for their shorter activation and long pole stem, resulting in a satisfying typing feel. Additionally, these switches emit a creamy sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deep and "thocky" sound profile that immerses you in a truly satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, they provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have some similarities but also key differences that contribute to their overall sound and feel. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for clear and resonant sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Splash Brothers and Tourmaline Blue switches will offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, where the switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Splash Brothers feature a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. As mentioned earlier, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound. While the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of a switch is more significant during keypresses, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, both the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches share a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, perfect for those seeking clear and resonant keypresses. However, their bottom housing materials differ, with the Splash Brothers using a nylon housing for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue employs an additional polycarbonate bottom housing for an overall sharper and higher-pitched sound. The choice of housing material in each switch contributes to the particular sound and feel experienced during typing, both during keypresses and when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can observe some notable differences. The actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unavailable, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Splash Brothers is relatively light with 48 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue is medium-heavy at 67 grams.
Considering the weight of a switch is important for different individuals based on their preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations, such as professionals typing at work or avid gamers, may gravitate towards the Splash Brothers due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who value a more substantial and forceful push during typing may find the Tourmaline Blue more suitable, as it requires a heavier actuation force and has a higher bottom out force.
It should be noted that in situations where the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is not provided, it is difficult to directly compare it to the Tourmaline Blue. However, for those seeking a lighter typing experience, both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance for the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer distance compared to the Splash Brothers. The Splash Brothers falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more substantial depth in its travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced feel when pressing down on a key. Despite their slight difference in travel distance, both switches offer comparable results and cater to different preferences in terms of response time and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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, both the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches fall into the category of neutral switches. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual variations may occur. In terms of feel, the Splash Brothers switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience. With its mild qualities and snappy, bouncy feedback, it provides a safe and approachable typing feel for most users. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with gentle resistance. Overall, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
Based on the available information, the Jwick Splash Brothers and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both fall into the neutral category in terms of sound, providing a moderate sound profile suitable for various scenarios. They also offer mild typing experiences, with the Splash Brothers having a snappy and bouncy feel, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and easy-to-press sensation. While slight differences may exist due to individual preferences and variations in keyboards and keycaps, both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience with their own distinctive qualities. Whether you choose the Splash Brothers or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable options for beginners or advanced users in various settings.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force, a great typing feel, and a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is the way to go. It offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished typing experience. This switch is suitable for beginners or advanced users and can be used at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is a great choice. It provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience and also has a neutral sound profile. This switch is suitable for a wide range of users, offering a mild typing feel.
Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities and can provide a satisfying typing experience. Consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch will best suit your needs.
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