Jwick Splash Brothers vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers and the TTC Yunhai stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering a distinct typing experience. The Splash Brothers are celebrated for their shorter activation distance and long pole stem, resulting in a responsive and lively feel reminiscent of a dynamic duo in action. Their creamy sound signature adds a touch of sophistication, making them a favorite for those who appreciate both performance and auditory pleasure. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches provide a softer, gentler typing experience, characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force. This combination makes the Yunhai ideal for typists seeking an effortless and smooth keypress, enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, one might gravitate toward the Splash Brothers for a snappy, engaging feel, whereas the Yunhai offers a more mellow and gentle touch. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the TTC Yunhai reveals a fascinating interplay between design choices and acoustic outcomes. The Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer structure that promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate a crisp auditory experience, especially with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual effects. Meanwhile, the TTC Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon tends to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted auditory feedback. This contrast between the two materials not only reflects their respective design philosophies but significantly affects the typing experience each switch offers.
Both the Splash Brothers and the Yunhai showcase nylon in their bottom housings, creating a commonality that influences the overall sound profile. Nylon's naturally softer characteristics mean that both switches yield a deeper sound when bottoming out, producing a rounder auditory feedback. This shared bottom housing material implies that despite the differing top housings, both switches will still deliver a substantial acoustic response when pressed. The ability of nylon to absorb sound contributes to a more uniform experience across both switches during bottoming out. Consequently, even though the top housings provide distinct sound profiles, the synergy created by the nylon bottom ensures that both designs maintain some continuity in their acoustic tradewinds.
In summation, while the Jwick Splash Brothers employ a polycarbonate top housing that enhances brightness and clarity, the TTC Yunhai's nylon top housing is tailored for a deeper, more rounded sound experience. Yet, both switches utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housing, establishing a crucial similarity that affects how users will perceive and experience sound when interacting with the keys. When pressed, the impact of the bottom housing prevails, contributing to a shared acoustic depth and tactile sensation, even as the top housings impart their unique auditory characteristics upon release. Thus, the interplay between different materials showcases how varied designs can yield similar tactile outcomes, emphasizing the importance of both top and bottom housings in defining the overall user experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find some notable differences. The Splash Brothers switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a light overall feel. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a specific actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, also categorized as light, but with a slightly firmer bottoming out experience compared to the Splash Brothers. Since both switches are considered light, they would provide a comfortable typing experience suitable for extended use, depending on personal preference for actuation feel. The Yunhai is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, while the actuation force of the Splash Brothers being unknown prevents a direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, users looking for a lighter typing experience may find both switches suitable, with the Yunhai offering slightly more resistance at bottom out.
Travel distance
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch differ slightly in their travel distances, with the Splash Brothers measuring 3.5 mm and the Yunhai at 3.6 mm. This makes the Jwick Splash Brothers the shorter option by 0.1 mm, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai, with its longer travel distance, might provide a more robust feel for those who prefer a hearty depth in their key presses. While the difference is minimal, it can significantly impact typing experience, especially for individuals who are sensitive to switch actuation. Overall, those desiring more responsiveness would likely lean toward the Jwick Splash Brothers, whereas those who appreciate a deeper key travel might favor the TTC Yunhai.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch presents a creamy sound signature that offers a pleasant acoustic experience during typing. While characterized as neutral, it balances moderate actuation force with a sound profile that is versatile enough for both novice and advanced users alike, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a deep, rounded sound profile that adds a unique richness to the typing experience. However, specific details about its sound characteristics, such as sound level or neutrality, were not provided, leaving some unknowns about how its acoustic attributes play out in practice.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Splash Brothers linear switch is further distinguished by a collection of qualities that enhance its typing experience. It is described as mild, ensuring a gentle touch that remains approachable for typists of all skill levels. Additionally, its snappy and bouncy characteristics mean that it responds quickly and provides a lively, spring-like feedback, enhancing the overall tactile experience. The polished nature of these switches suggests a smooth key travel, allowing for effortless typing. In contrast, the specifics of the feel for the TTC Yunhai linear switch are not detailed, which leaves a gap in comprehending how it might compare to the considerable variety present in the Splash Brothers.
In conclusion, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch stands out with its creamy sound and multifaceted tactile feedback that combines mildness, responsiveness, and plush smoothness, making it a well-rounded choice for typists seeking versatility. While the TTC Yunhai linear switch showcases a distinctive deep sound profile and a notably light actuation force, the absence of detailed attributes makes it somewhat of a mystery. Consequently, if you're looking for a known experience, the Splach Brothers are likely to deliver, while the Yunhai may offer surprises in both sound and feel that would need exploration to fully appreciate.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a light, snappy typing experience with a touch of bounce and a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers is ideal for you, especially when you desire a responsive feel that enhances your overall typing dynamics. Its mild traits make it approachable for users at any skill level, whether you're gaming, coding, or just casual typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more rounded sound profile coupled with an effortlessly gentle actuation, the Yunhai switch may be more suitable. Its slightly higher bottoming force of 50 grams still falls into the lightweight category, but it emphasizes a smoother typing experience that is perfect for extended writing sessions or office environments where a softer sound is preferred. In essence, the Splash Brothers offers a more lively and engaging typing experience while the Yunhai excels in providing comfort and a classic soft feel, making either choice a solid option based on your individual preferences.