Jwick Splash Brothers vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Vintage Citrus both offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, particularly for gamers and typists alike. The Jwick Splash Brothers, with their linear "speed" design, provide a notably shorter activation distance paired with a long pole stem, resulting in a satisfying typing experience that many users describe as creamy and polished. This makes them an excellent choice for those who value smoother keystrokes and a richer sound profile while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus was engineered specifically for gamers, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm to facilitate rapid-fire inputs, perfectly suited for fast-paced gaming scenarios. With its bright, clacky sound and smooth push feel, the Vintage Citrus appeals to players who thrive on quick responsiveness and audible feedback. Both switches have their merits, but they cater to slightly different needs and experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Vintage Citrus, notable differences emerge, especially regarding their top housings. The Splash Brothers boast a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound, making it well-suited for setups that utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing that offers a softer, more muted sound profile. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Thus, while both switches may perform admirably, their sound outputs cater to different preferences and aesthetic ambitions.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing composition—nylon. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound and feel will evoke a consistent tactile experience across both the Splash Brothers and the Vintage Citrus. Nylon's characteristics create a deeper sound profile for both switches, resulting from its softer plastic nature that dampens vibrations and enhances the auditory perception during a key press. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in material and sound output, the bottom housings contribute a cohesive auditory experience. This shared trait ensures that users will obtain comfortable feedback when bottoming out both switch types, even if the sound on the release varies significantly between them.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings mean that each switch appeals to different sensibilities. Users seeking a bright and pronounced sound profile may gravitate towards the polycarbonate-top Splash Brothers, particularly when using RGB lighting. Meanwhile, those who prefer a more subdued and rich typing experience may find the nylon-top Vintage Citrus more suited to their needs. However, despite these variances, the shared nylon bottom housing acts as a bridge, providing overlapping auditory characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience for both switches. Users can expect that both the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Vintage Citrus will deliver unique sound profiles influenced by their respective top housings while still enjoying uniformity in the deeper resonance provided by their nylon bottoms.
Weight
The actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is unknown, while its bottom out force is measured at 48 grams. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a defined actuation force of 48 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while the actuation force of the Splash Brothers remains unclear, it is apparent that the Vintage Citrus requires a medium-light force to actuate and a bit more to bottom out. The Splash Brothers switch, with a bottom out force of 48 grams, is categorized as light, while the Vintage Citrus is considered to be medium-light due to its higher resistance. For individuals who prioritize a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Splash Brothers may be more appealing, although the Vintage Citrus offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear difference in measurement. The Splash Brothers features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who benefit from quicker actuation times. Conversely, the Splash Brothers provides a more ample depth, catering to those who prefer a more substantial key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if a faster response is desired, the Vintage Citrus would be the better fit; on the other hand, if a deeper feel is prioritized, the Splash Brothers would be the advantageous selection.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 linear switch produces a creamy sound signature that is characterized by a more neutral profile. This balance makes it suitable for a wide variety of environments, whether you're a beginner or an experienced user. The pleasing auditory feedback does not overpower your typing experience, making it versatile for both gaming and office tasks. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch offers a bright, clacky sound profile, perfect for enthusiastic gamers looking for that satisfying auditory confirmation with each key press. The variance in sound between the two switches highlights the specific design goals they cater to: one is for smooth all-round performance while the other favors a more pronounced acoustic output for rapid interactions.
Regarding the tactile experience, the Splash Brothers switch boasts a range of qualities, including a mild and snappy feel, enhanced by its longer pole stem which contributes to a dynamic typing sensation. This combination allows for a gentle yet responsive interaction that feels engaging without being overwhelming. Additionally, it offers a bouncy and polished finish, ensuring that users enjoy a refined and smooth key travel experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed for speed, with an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which emphasizes quick presses. However, details about its tactile feedback remain unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison of how these two switches feel under the fingers.
In conclusion, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences. The Splash Brothers provide a creamy sound and a smooth, responsive typing experience, making them a solid choice for general use, while the Vintage Citrus offers a bright and clacky sound perfect for gaming enthusiasts with a focus on rapid input. Both switches have unique strengths that contribute to their respective niches, ensuring that users can find an option that suits their typing or gaming style, although the complete description of the Vintage Citrus's feel remains uncertain. Ultimately, either switch will deliver excellent results based on the user's intended application and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and seek a smooth, polished typing experience that is versatile for both gaming and general use, the Splash Brothers switch with its short activation and creamy sound signature would be an excellent choice. Its mild and snappy feel makes it ideal for those who enjoy a responsive typing experience but still desire a gentle touch that can adapt to any environment, making it suitable for shared spaces like offices or homes. On the other hand, if you are focused on gaming performance, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, with its low actuation force and clacky sound profile, is purpose-built for rapid inputs and fast-paced gameplay. This switch is perfect for gamers who thrive on responsiveness and tactile feedback, making it a sound choice for competitive play. In summary, select the Splash Brothers for an all-around versatile experience and the Vintage Citrus if your goal is peak gaming performance.
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