Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB can significantly impact your typing experience. The Splash Brothers, recognized for their linear design, feature a shorter activation point that, combined with a long pole stem, delivers a swift and smooth typing feel akin to the seamless synergy of their namesakes—Steph and Klay. These switches produce a creamy sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a clean auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer a tactile experience that resonates with users who appreciate a satisfying bump upon actuation. The U4Tx combines the deep "thock" associated with bottoming out while maintaining a quiet top-out, creating a refined sound profile suited for office or shared spaces. While you might gravitate toward the Splash Brothers for speed and fluidity or the U4Tx for tactile feedback and elegance, both switches cater to distinct preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Jwick Splash Brothers Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$2.49 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, notable distinctions arise, particularly in their top housings. The Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate for the upper section, which is recognized for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This property enables a clearer and more resonant sound profile, particularly important when paired with RGB lighting that benefits from the translucency of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB features a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic" for its top housing. This blend is designed to create a softer sound profile, resulting in a sound that is richer and deeper compared to the high-pitched tones produced by the polycarbonate. As a result, users may perceive different acoustic characteristics when engaging with the switches, informed largely by the material composition of the top housing.

Contrasting the bottom housings further showcases the differences between these two switches. The Splash Brothers utilize a nylon bottom housing, a material celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, which leads to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This dampening characteristic contributes to a warmer and rounder sound profile when keys bottom out. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB showcases its proprietary Gazzew blend in the bottom housing as well, reinforcing its focus on delivering rich sound experiences. Since both switches utilize a softer material in their bottom housing, users might find that the auditory outputs feel somewhat similar when they bottom out. Despite their different compositions, the focus on softer plastics in both models allows for a cohesive sound experience, albeit expressed differently in their respective top housings.

Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in the Splash Brothers and U4Tx RGB results in distinct acoustic profiles, but the impact of each housing can influence the overall sound signature when the switches are engaged. If a switch’s top and bottom housings differ significantly, the auditory qualities—high-pitched clarity versus deep resonance—will divide their contributions accordingly. This interplay means that the bottom housing significantly shapes the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the auditory response upon key release. Users seeking distinctive auditory experiences will find that, although the Switch Brothers and U4Tx RGB employ different top housing materials, the richness of the bottom housing may yield surprisingly similar results in key sounds, creating a nuanced yet harmonious typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their bottom-out forces, although both switches have unspecified actuation forces. The Splash Brothers features a bottom-out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as a lighter option, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces fatigue. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Consequently, if you prioritize a lighter touch for extended use, the Splash Brothers would be the better choice, while the U4Tx RGB will appeal to those who favor a more robust keystroke feel. Since both switches have unknown actuation forces, their performance may align closely in terms of triggering keystrokes, potentially leading to similar user experiences, but their bottom-out force differentiation presents clear preferences based on user habits.

Travel distance

The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Splash Brothers the shorter of the two switches. The difference in travel distance, although minimal, suggests that the Splash Brothers may offer a slightly more responsive feel due to its shorter actuation. This aspect can be particularly appealing for gamers seeking quicker keypresses for enhanced performance. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be the better choice, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, both offer unique auditory experiences. The Splash Brothers features a creamy sound signature, which complements its linear characteristics, resulting in a neutral sound that is moderate in volume. This makes the switch fairly versatile, suitable for use in various environments without drawing undue attention. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB provides a rich combination of sounds: the deep "thock" produced when bottoming out gives a satisfying auditory cue, while the stealthy topping out offers a quieter finishing note. Together, these elements create a refined sound profile that maintains a luxurious feel, although the overall volume and tonal qualities differ from the more neutral Splash Brothers.

In terms of tactile feel, the Splash Brothers linear switch boasts a mix of mildness and snappiness, providing a typing experience that is gentle yet responsive. This combination makes for a pleasant ride with a lively bounce, allowing for comfortable typing while still ensuring clear feedback with each keystroke. The polished quality of this switch further enhances its smoothness, offering a luxurious typing experience without any harsh transitions. On the other hand, the feel of the U4Tx RGB is less explicitly defined, but it is known for its sharp tactile bump, contributing to a distinguished typing sensation. This tactile feedback gives users an immediate sense of actuation, making every keystroke feel intentional and deliberate.

Ultimately, both the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Splash Brothers excels in providing a smooth, snappy, and creamy auditory experience that is approachable in various settings. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB stands out with its rich thock sound and defined tactile feedback, catering to those who appreciate pronounced key response. While the auditory and tactile experiences differ, both are well-crafted switches that serve their purposes effectively, whether you're seeking a neutral sound profile for work or a textured, luxurious experience for gaming and typing. Each switch offers its unique qualities, allowing users to select based on personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a lighter touch and seek a smooth, responsive typing experience that is well-suited for fast-paced gaming or typing, the Splash Brothers would be a fitting choice. Its mild feel, bouncy characteristics, and creamy sound signature can create an enjoyable experience, particularly in environments where noise is less of a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback combined with a deeper sound profile, the U4Tx RGB would serve you well. With its medium-heavy actuation force and pronounced tactile bump, it can enhance your typing comfort and precision, ideal for those who appreciate a more deliberate feel while working or gaming. In shared spaces, the U4Tx RGB's refined sound profile makes it a strong contender as well. Evaluating how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for casual typing, intense gaming sessions, or professional work—will steer you toward the switch that best complements your needs and enhances your overall experience.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Splash Brothers Linear

$2.49 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more