Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer unique typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The Splash Brothers features linear "speed" switches that are praised for their shorter activation and long pole stem, providing a great typing feel and a creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches are tactile with a medium tactility, light touch, and neutral sound signature, making them a balanced option for those seeking a comfortable typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths, such as the Splash Brothers' snappy and bouncy feel and the Violet Gold Pro's stepped tactility, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relatively stiffer plastic composition. This makes them ideal for users who prioritize a clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, their translucency makes them perfect for those looking to enhance their RGB lighting setups. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers and the Violet Gold Pro differ in their bottom housings, with the Splash Brothers utilizing a nylon bottom housing to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing for a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Splash Brothers and the Violet Gold Pro share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their nylon bottom housings can lead to variations in sound and feel when typing on the switches. The bottom housing material plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material has more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall tactile experience of a mechanical keyboard switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer users a choice between a crisper and sharper sound profile with polycarbonate top housings or a deeper and fuller sound experience with nylon bottom housings. The different housing materials in each switch contribute to distinct sound qualities, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences. Whether you prioritize a clear and resonant sound profile or a duller and rounder sound, both switches provide unique options for enhancing your keyboard setup.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch differ significantly. The Splash Brothers has a light actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a smooth and easy keystroke. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a tactile feedback for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, the difference in actuation force suggests that it may require a bit more effort to press all the way down compared to the Splash Brothers. Depending on personal preference, one may find the lighter actuation force of the Splash Brothers more suitable for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro for a more pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Splash Brothers is the shorter of the two switches, providing a quicker and more responsive key press compared to the Violet Gold Pro. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which might feel more satisfying to those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Depending on your preference for key feel and responsiveness, you can choose between the shorter Splash Brothers or the slightly longer Violet Gold Pro to achieve similar results in your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate sound level that is suitable for a variety of environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using them at home or in a work setting. Keep in mind that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by the type of keyboard you use and the keycaps you have installed.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as having a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. This combination of qualities provides a gentle typing experience with a responsive and lively feel, while also maintaining a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as having a stepped feel, which means it offers two stages of tactility during the keystroke. This results in a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a single, pronounced bump throughout the keystroke.
Overall, both the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a linear switch with a creamy sound signature and a great typing feel, the Splash Brothers may be the way to go. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile switch with a balanced level of tactility and a light touch, the Violet Gold Pro may be the better option for you. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences. If you prefer a light and linear typing experience with a creamy sound signature, then the Splash Brothers may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a light touch and a balanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro may be more suitable. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for various typing scenarios. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences.
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