Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Splash Brothers switches, inspired by the dynamic duo of the basketball world, provide a swift typing experience thanks to their shorter activation point and long pole stem, resulting in a responsive and mildly snappy feedback. Additionally, their creamy sound profile adds a pleasing auditory element to the typing experience, making them ideal for those who appreciate a bit of acoustic character while working or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° focuses on an ultra-silent typing experience, elevating comfort through its self-padding design and dual-rail structure that ensures unmatched smoothness and stability. This switch is perfect for users who prioritize tranquility in their setup, such as in shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Both switches offer advantages depending on your style, whether it’s the tactile engagement of the Splash Brothers or the silent luxury of the Zero Degree 0°. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic properties. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in construction means that both switches will likely produce a bright and resonant sound, making them suitable for users who appreciate clarity in their keystrokes. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches in illuminated setups.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Splash Brothers and the Zero Degree 0° differ. Both switches employ a nylon bottom housing, which is characterized by its softer nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's ability to diffuse sound contributes to a rounder audio experience, particularly noticeable when bottoming out the keys. Therefore, while both switches share the same top housing material, the nylon bottom housing of both creates a balanced acoustic signature by providing a warmer sound that complements the crisper notes from the polycarbonate tops.
The interplay of the different housing materials ultimately results in a multifaceted sound profile for each switch. The combined use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom allows for a distinctive typing experience where the characteristics of each material enhance one another. Pressing a key will primarily showcase the softer, depth-providing qualities of the nylon while simultaneously delivering the clearer, more resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate when releasing the key. The mindful combination of these materials ensures that users can obtain a harmonious typing experience with both the Jwick Splash Brothers and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches, albeit nuanced by their respective strengths.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, some key differences emerge. The Splash Brothers switch boasts a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a light typing experience, though its actuation force remains unspecified. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° switch features a defined actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall as the bottom out force is not provided. Users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Gateron switch more appealing, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the heavier Splash Brothers switch due to its known bottom out force. However, with the actuation force for the Splash Brothers being unknown, definitive comparisons regarding keystroke initiation cannot be drawn.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we find that the Splash Brothers has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Zero Degree 0° measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the Splash Brothers the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who prefer quicker response times and a more responsive feel when pressing the keys. In contrast, the slight increase in travel distance offered by the Gateron Zero Degree 0° may provide a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a more pronounced actuation. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, but the Splash Brothers' shorter distance may lead to a more abrupt keypress experience, while the Zero Degree 0° offers a touch more room for a deeper feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Jwick Splash Brothers and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches, the Splash Brothers are noted for their creamy sound signature, which contributes to a pleasant auditory experience during typing. This switch generates a neutral sound, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° features a self-padding design and dual-rail structure that aims to absorb sound, resulting in a significantly quieter operation. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Splash Brothers provide a more traditional typing sound, whereas the Gateron Zero Degree focuses on reduced noise levels, making them better suited for quiet environments.
In terms of feel, the Splash Brothers linear switch excels with a combination of qualities that include mild resistance, snappiness, bounciness, subtle feedback, and an overall polished experience. The responsive nature of these switches, coupled with their bouncy elasticity, enhances the typing engagement while remaining approachable for all users. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is not described specifically, which leaves an unknown for this particular quality. However, the aim of the Zero Degree 0° is to deliver a soft, elastic feel throughout the keystroke, which suggests a smoother typing experience with less noticeable resistance, focusing on a gentle and stable action.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Splash Brothers and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches offer distinctive qualities for keyboard enthusiasts. The Splash Brothers present a versatile sound with a dynamic and engaging typing feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes silent operation and a smooth typing experience, appealing particularly to those who favor quieter environments. Ultimately, when choosing between the two, preferences for sound and feel will play a pivotal role, as both switches cater to different typing experiences while achieving excellent results in their respective criteria.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch largely depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a light key feel combined with a snappy and bouncy typing experience, the Splash Brothers are an excellent choice. Their shorter activation point and creamy sound signature make them ideal for fast typists or gamers seeking a responsive and lively feel. Additionally, the neutral sound profile ensures they can be used comfortably in both quiet home settings and busier office environments without being disruptive. On the other hand, if silent operation is your top priority, then the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is the way to go. Its innovative self-padding design effectively absorbs sound, making it superb for typing in shared spaces. The emphasis on smoothness and stability can provide a luxurious typing experience, perfect for those who want to minimize noise while maintaining a soft, elastic feel. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value speed and responsiveness or a quieter, more muted experience.
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