Jwick Splash Brothers vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between different types based on their unique tactile and auditory experiences. The Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) are two linear switches that cater to different preferences and styles. The Splash Brothers are celebrated for their shorter activation point and long pole stem, delivering a fast and enjoyable typing experience with a creamy sound signature that resonates with many gamers and typists alike. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a dynamic and snappy feel while maintaining a polished performance. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) takes a different approach, offering a robust variant of the classic switch with a PA12 top housing that ensures softer acoustics. Coupled with a POM stem, it provides a crisp and higher-pitched resonance, appealing to users who favor a more sophisticated and precise keystroke. While both switches deliver exceptional performance, they cater to diverse user needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), significant differences emerge particularly in the choice of top housing material. The Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, characterized by its stiffer composition, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for users who prefer a more resonant sound while typing, particularly when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for nylon as their top housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, yielding a distinctively rounder auditory experience. Such variations in top housing materials fundamentally influence the sound characteristics of the switches, appealing to different user preferences.
On the other hand, both the Splash Brothers and the Xinhai (Heavy) use nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity gives rise to a unified sound signature when the key is depressed, as both switches leverage nylon's properties to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. The fact that nylon absorbers sound better means that regardless of the differences in their top materials, the tactile feedback and a degree of consistency in sound will manifest when typing. As typing performance hinges significantly on the bottom housing, the choice of nylon in both switches ensures users experience a soft and cushioned bottom-out effect when they press the keys.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and similar bottom housing choices results in a balance of sound properties that cater to both styles of typing. While the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top leads to a crisper and more resonant release sound, the nylon bottom ensures a fullness while typing. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy)'s nylon top softens the overall experience, creating a rounded sound profile compared to the sharper tones of the Splash Brothers. This strategic blend of materials means that even with their differing top housings, users can find satisfaction in typing experiences that exhibit unique auditory qualities without sacrificing the comfort and depth offered by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Splash Brothers switch has an unknown actuation force, but it features a comparatively light bottom out force of 48 grams. In contrast, the Xinhai switch has a defined actuation force of 55 grams, coupled with a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This disparity illustrates that while the Splash Brothers may provide a more forgiving feel at the bottom, the Xinhai switch requires a stronger push throughout the typing experience, appealing to those who prefer more resistance. For users looking for a lighter typing feel that allows for extended use without fatigue, the Splash Brothers would be the better choice. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who seek a more substantial tactile response, thanks to its heavier forces. Overall, the two switches offer unique sensations based on their differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Splash Brothers features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a bit more depth and tactile feedback, the Splash Brothers may be the better choice for you. It's important to note that the difference in travel distance is minimal, with the Splash Brothers providing just 0.1 mm more travel than the Xinhai (Heavy), which could lead to a slightly more pronounced feel during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a quicker response time that shorter distances can provide, the Xinhai (Heavy) might also be a suitable option, albeit with that slight decrease in depth. Ultimately, whether you choose the longer Splash Brothers or the shorter Xinhai (Heavy) will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch exhibits a creamy sound signature, which suggests a smooth and pleasant acoustic experience during typing. The sound profile is characterized as neutral, making it versatile and suitable for various environments, from a quiet home office to a bustling workplace. This neutrality ensures that it won't be overly distracting or jarring for users nearby. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch showcases a unique PA12 top housing that contributes to softer acoustics, combined with a POM stem that imparts a distinctively crisp sound. This higher-pitched resonance may lend a slightly more sophisticated tonal quality, catering to users who prefer a cleaner sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Splash Brothers switch is designed to provide a gentle yet lively typing experience. Described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, this switch delivers a balanced feedback profile that feels responsive and cushioned without being overly aggressive. The longer activation distance contributes to a smooth action that appeals to various users. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch lacks detailed descriptions of its feel, making it challenging to compare directly. However, based on the characteristics of the Splash Brothers, one can expect a similarly satisfying typing experience, though the specific sensations of the Xinhai will remain uncertain without further information.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Splash Brothers and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches offer unique sound and feel attributes that cater to distinct preferences. The Splash Brothers is favored for its neutral, creamy sound profile combined with a dynamic and lively feel. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) promises a more subtle acoustic quality with a potentially sophisticated sound signature, although its tactile feel remains unexplored. Users looking for smooth and responsive typing will find excitement in either switch, though the exact experience may vary based on the individual attributes of each switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, you should consider both your typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter, snappy, and responsive typing experience, the Splash Brothers is your best bet, especially if you appreciate a creamy sound profile and want a switch that feels dynamic yet accessible. These switches work well for fast-paced gaming and general typing tasks, making them a great choice for both newcomers and seasoned users alike. On the other hand, if you’re someone who enjoys a more robust keystroke and a need for precision, particularly in a quieter setting or during continuous use, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch with its 62.5 grams of bottom-out force would be more suitable. This switch delivers a higher-pitched resonance and a sophisticated feel, ideal for those who appreciate a bit more heft and momentum in their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs and preferences in both sound and tactile feedback.
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