Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Jwick Splash Brothers and the Gateron Type A are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for different preferences. The Splash Brothers, known for its association with the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, boasts a shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, providing a great typing feel and a creamy sound signature. Categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, these switches are ideal for those who prefer a smooth and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" offers a different appeal with its innovative design, reimagined travel distances, and factory lubing techniques. Positioned as a medium-weight switch with a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side, the Type A is categorized as neutral and subdued. While both switches have their own strengths, each catering to different preferences, it is essential to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Gateron Type A switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A switches utilize a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The difference in material between the top housings of these switches leads to distinct sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant sound, while nylon offers a more rounded and duller sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Jwick Splash Brothers and Gateron Type A switches make use of nylon material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Additionally, the softness of nylon helps absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a more muffled and rounded sound. Despite the same material being used for the bottom housing in both switches, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch cannot be overlooked. The qualities of the bottom housing are more pronounced when bottoming out a key, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key.
While the Jwick Splash Brothers and Gateron Type A switches utilize different materials for their top housings, they both offer unique sound profiles based on the characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon, respectively. The polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers creates a sharp and resonant sound, ideal for those looking for a clear and crisp typing experience with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Gateron Type A provides a deeper and fuller sound, catering to users who prefer a more muffled and rounder typing feel. Despite the differences in top housing material, the nylon bottom housings of both switches result in a similar deep and full sound profile, showcasing the impact of housing material on overall sound quality.
Weight
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Splash Brothers has a light actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Type A has a medium-light actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Splash Brothers is lighter in both aspects, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as in an office or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Type A offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches cater to different preferences, so users can choose the one that suits their typing style and needs best.
Travel distance
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Type A linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Type A switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Splash Brothers switch. A 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while a 3.5 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer unique experiences, with the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers providing quick key presses, while the longer travel distance of the Type A offers a more substantial key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49, whereas the Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70.
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 offers a creamy and neutral sound signature that is pleasant to the ears. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch provides a deeper and more subdued sound profile, ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. Both switches fall under the neutral sound category, making them versatile options suitable for various settings and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal sound preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience, providing a gentle yet responsive feel that appeals to a wide range of users. With its bouncy and polished qualities, this switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience that is both comfortable and satisfying. Unfortunately, there is limited information available on the feel of the Gateron Type A switch, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, based on its position as a medium-weight switch and its factory lubing techniques, it is likely to offer a unique typing experience that may appeal to those seeking a balance between responsiveness and comfort.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. While the Splash Brothers is known for its creamy sound signature and gentle yet snappy feel, the Type A stands out for its deeper sound profile and potential unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in sound, feel, and other factors such as keycap and keyboard choice. Experimenting with both switches on different setups will provide a clearer understanding of which switch suits individual needs and preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch with a unique sound signature that leans towards creamy, the Splash Brothers may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a switch with a sound signature that is more on the subdued side, the Gateron Type A could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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