Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Jwick Splash Brothers and Gateron Weightlessness switches present unique options that cater to different typing preferences. The Splash Brothers, known for their linear design, deliver a swift and smooth keystroke experience reminiscent of a fast-paced basketball game; their shorter activation point combined with a long pole stem enhances typing efficiency while providing a creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile switch experience with subtle to moderate feedback, allowing for a satisfying bump during key presses that many typists appreciate. Their balanced sound profile pairs perfectly with the tactile sensation, creating an engaging typing atmosphere. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on whether you prioritize smooth, unhindered typing or a tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Gateron Weightlessness, a notable distinction is found in the top housing. The Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This characteristic allows for increased resonance and clarity, making the keypresses feel more defined and lively. In contrast, the Weightlessness features a nylon top housing that contributes to a rounder and warmer sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper auditory response that lacks the bright crispness of polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the preference for sound profile may sway users toward one material or the other based on individual taste.
Both switches, however, rely on nylon for their bottom housings, which has implications for the overall sound and feel during use. In both the Splash Brothers and Weightlessness, the nylon material absorbs vibrations effectively, promoting a fuller and deeper sound profile during key presses. As nylon covers the bottom housing for both switches, users can expect similar tactile feedback and a muted sound upon bottoming out, as the softness characteristics of the nylon serve to soften the impact and foster a more cushioned typing experience. This shared material implies that wherever you press down on the key, the result will be a consistent, rounded sound that is less likely to jangle or feel harsh.
Overall, the distinct choice of materials for the top housings defines the character of each switch's sound profile, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a degree of acoustic consistency across both models. The unique combination leads to an intriguing balance where the Splash Brothers provide a brighter auditory experience from the top while also delivering a fuller sound from the bottom, whereas the Weightlessness presents a cohesive, deep sound throughout given its uniform material choice. This interplay highlights how differing materials in keyboard switches affect the auditory and tactile experience, allowing users to select switches that best fit their desired typing acoustics.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we observe a distinct difference in their actuation forces. The Splash Brothers switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to assess its responsiveness compared to the Gateron Weightlessness, which has a defined actuation force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Weightlessness switch requires a firmer press to register a keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Splash Brothers has a measurable force of 48 grams, indicating a lighter overall experience when keys are fully pressed down, whereas the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unavailable. As a result, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is the lighter option overall, ideal for users seeking ease during extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Gateron Weightlessness offers a heavier feel, catering to those who prefer tactile feedback and a more pronounced keypress experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch differ slightly, with the Splash Brothers measuring at 3.5 mm and the Weightlessness at 3.4 mm. This makes the Weightlessness the shorter of the two, while the Splash Brothers offers a marginally longer travel distance. For users who favor quicker response times, the Gateron Weightlessness may be the preferred option due to its shorter travel, promoting faster key actuation. However, the Splash Brothers, with its longer travel distance, might provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate deeper key presses. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in typing or gaming styles, allowing users to choose based on whether they prioritize speed or a more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 considering the sound profile of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you will find it exudes a creamy sound signature that contributes to an enjoyable auditory experience. This neutral sound profile means that the activation force is moderate, making the Splash Brothers versatile for both work and play environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced sound signature that complements its tactile character; however, specifics about its sound properties have not been detailed, leaving it somewhat unknown in comparison to the Splash Brothers.
In terms of feel, the Splash Brothers presents a range of qualities that combine to create a delightful typing experience. Characterized as mild, snappy, and bouncy, this switch allows for a responsive and lively experience with a gentle resistance that makes extended typing less tiring. The polished nature of the switch adds a layer of smoothness, reducing friction and ensuring fluid key travel. Conversely, the tactile qualities of the Weightlessness switches remain less defined, but their design suggests they provide a subtle to moderate tactile feel. This tactile feedback brings a different touch to the typing experience, although not enough information is given to draw a direct comparison regarding the sensations delivered by the Gateron.
In summary, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch stands out with its creamy sound and dynamic tactile response, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch presents an intriguing option for those seeking subtle tactile feedback, although its tactile characteristics aren't fully detailed here. While both switches provide different experiences, you may find that the Splash Brothers leads to a more engaging and responsive typing experience thanks to its richer attributes. You can expect some similarities in sound if you take into account the choice of keyboard and keycaps with the Weightlessness switches; however, the unique features of each switch could lead to distinctly different typing experiences.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you're looking for a switch that offers a lighter bottom-out force, a snappy and responsive feel, and a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers might be the better option for you. Their mild, polished characteristics provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making them suitable for extended use in both home and office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feel with subtle feedback that offers a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness switches would cater to that need. Though their specific weight force is unavailable, their balanced tactile response can enhance your keystrokes without overwhelming auditory feedback, which can be particularly advantageous in shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should center around whether you favor a dynamic, speedy feel with minimal resistance or a more measured, tactile experience.
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