Jwick Splash Brothers vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The Splash Brothers stands out for its shorter activation and long pole stem, providing a great typing feel along with a creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Xinhai boasts a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for crisp, higher-pitched resonance, offering a blend of sophistication and performance. While the Splash Brothers may appeal to those looking for a snappy and bouncy typing experience, the Xinhai may be more suited for those seeking a clacky and creamy typing feel. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Xinhai are quite similar, as both feature polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting capabilities due to its translucency. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Splash Brothers utilizing a nylon bottom housing and the Xinhai also featuring a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Splash Brothers and the Xinhai share polycarbonate top housings, each switch offers a unique typing experience due to their different bottom housing materials. The qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing of the Splash Brothers and Xinhai are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound profile and feel when typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials allows for users to choose a switch that best suits their typing preferences.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Xinhai both contribute to a distinct sound profile when typing, with polycarbonate creating a sharp and crisp sound and nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound. The similarities in the polycarbonate top housing provide a consistent experience in terms of sound quality, while the differences in the nylon bottom housing allow for a customized typing feel. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with the Splash Brothers or a deeper sound with the Xinhai, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that both switches are relatively lightweight. The Splash Brothers has a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Xinhai has a slightly lower bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown, but the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Xinhai requires a slightly lighter touch to register a key press compared to the Splash Brothers. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a slightly more substantial typing experience, the Splash Brothers may be the way to go. Regardless, both switches offer a lightweight typing experience that is suitable for long periods of typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0mm standard. Gamers may appreciate the quicker response time provided by the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers switch, while others might find the slightly longer travel distance of the Xinhai switch to offer a more satisfying key press. Overall, both switches are similar in their shorter travel distances but still provide a different feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various settings and users, making it versatile and well-rounded. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch delivers a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, adding a unique auditory experience to typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired, with the Splash Brothers being more neutral and the Xinhai being more distinctive in its sound.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience with a snappy and bouncy feedback, offering a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, this switch is described as subtle and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy feel with a creamy typing experience that is smooth and buttery, thanks to factory lubrication. The bouncy feedback and creamy texture of the Xinhai switch make typing a delightful and effortless experience.
In conclusion, the Jwick Splash Brothers and HMX Xinhai linear switches each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Splash Brothers provides a neutral sound with a mild and polished typing feel, the Xinhai delivers a clacky sound and a creamy, bouncy typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, and choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, or polished feel, the Splash Brothers may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Xinhai switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it is important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
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