Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a multitude of options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out among the rest are the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Durock White Lotus. The Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch, offers a remarkable typing experience with its shorter activation and long pole stem. This results in a "speed" switch that feels great to type on and produces a creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch created specifically for the discerning typist. Its delicate tactility strikes a perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Durock White Lotus differ in their composition. The Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing, while the White Lotus incorporates a modified PC and UPE blend top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. It also allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the modified PC and UPE blend top housing of the White Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, but the specific sound characteristics are not described.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Durock White Lotus utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Both switches share these qualities, which make typing on them feel satisfying and immersive.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. The Jwick Splash Brothers with its nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound and a more rounded feel. Similarly, the Durock White Lotus with its nylon bottom housing will offer a comparable experience. On the other hand, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or modified PC and UPE blend, will affect the sound produced when releasing a key. Unfortunately, the White Lotus's specific sound qualities related to its top housing material are not mentioned, so a direct comparison cannot be made in this aspect.
In summary, the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Durock White Lotus differ in their top housing materials, with the former featuring polycarbonate and the latter employing a modified PC and UPE blend. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. While the impact of the top housing on sound when releasing a key is not detailed for the White Lotus, the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is not specified, while the actuation force of the White Lotus switch is 46 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch requires 48 grams of force, which is relatively light. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch has a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Splash Brothers switch.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. These people may opt for the lighter actuation force offered by the Jwick Splash Brothers switch. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards switches with heavier forces. In this case, the White Lotus switch provides a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Splash Brothers switch.
While the actuation force of the Splash Brothers switch is unavailable, it can be assumed that when comparing it to the actuation force of the White Lotus switch, they might yield similar results. However, since the bottom out force of the White Lotus switch is heavier than the Splash Brothers switch, the typing experience may feel slightly more pronounced with the White Lotus switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences regarding the desired typing experience and the importance of weight in keyboard usage.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. These two switches have different travel distances, with the White Lotus being the longer option. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered traditional, while 3.0mm is shallower. However, shorter travel distances, like the 3.5mm of the Splash Brothers, are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance option can provide a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper keystroke, the White Lotus with its longer travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, your preference for responsiveness or depth will determine which switch is more suitable for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 is described as having a creamy sound signature. This means that the sound produced by these switches is smooth and pleasant, without any sharp or harsh tones. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that the sound produced by these switches is deeper and more bass-heavy, creating a mellow and soothing tone. Both switches are categorized as having a neutral sound profile, which means that their sound is moderate and suitable for most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience. The switch has a gentle resistance that is approachable to most typists, and its snappy nature makes typing feel more alive and responsive. Additionally, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is described as having a bouncy and subtle feel, providing a spring-like feedback and a sense of rebound when pressed. Furthermore, the switch is polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and mild. These switches offer a low-impact typing feel with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similar to the Jwick Splash Brothers switch, the Durock White Lotus switch also has a subtle feel with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing experience. It is important to mention that the sound signature of the Durock White Lotus switch is not resonant, meaning it is suitable for shared spaces where noise might be a concern.
In conclusion, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Splash Brothers switch has a creamy sound signature and provides a mild, snappy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch has a low-pitched sound and offers an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing experience. While their qualities differ, both switches provide a neutral sound profile and are suitable for most typists and purposes.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a light bottom out force and a shorter activation, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its long pole stem and creamy sound signature, it offers a great typing feel that resembles the dynamic duo—Steph and Klay. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a delicate tactility, the Durock White Lotus switch would be more suitable. It strikes the perfect balance between lightness and tactility, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switch offers vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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