Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Splash Brothers are two popular choices among enthusiasts. The Cream switches from NovelKeys offer a hefty linear typing experience, with a deep sound profile that adds a textured and resonant feel to each keypress. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches, named after the dynamic duo of basketball players Steph and Klay, are known for their "speed" designation, featuring a shorter activation and a long pole stem that enhances typing feel. These switches produce a creamy sound signature that adds a subtle and polished touch to the typing experience. While these general descriptions provide an overview of what each switch has to offer, it's important to dive deeper into their specific characteristics to best suit your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom housings. While the Cream utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, the Splash Brothers opt for polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing. These varying materials impact the sound profile and overall typing experience of each switch.
In terms of the top housing, the Cream's POM material creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate used in the Splash Brothers' top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a unique sound and the option for vibrant lighting effects, the Cream and Splash Brothers offer distinct experiences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cream and Splash Brothers diverge further in their material choices. The Cream continues to utilize POM, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Splash Brothers opt for nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This means that typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will have a different feel and sound compared to those with POM.
It's important to note that while the materials used for the top and bottom housings differ between the Cream and Splash Brothers, the overall impact on the typing experience will be split between the two. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, whether you choose the Cream or the Splash Brothers, you can expect distinct qualities from each housing material that contribute to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a medium-heavy touch, while the Splash Brothers' actuation force is unavailable, making it unclear how it compares. In terms of bottom out force, the NovelKeys Cream requires 70 grams of force, giving it a slightly heavier feel. In contrast, the Splash Brothers only requires 48 grams of force to bottom out, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Splash Brothers more suitable, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the NovelKeys Cream due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and whether a lighter or heavier touch is desired.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches have different travel distances. The NovelKeys Cream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Splash Brothers.
The 4 mm travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream is considered to be more traditional, providing a deeper keypress feeling. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Splash Brothers is slightly shorter, which can be beneficial for gamers who value faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker key activations, which is desired in gaming scenarios.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker keypress, you may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers. However, if you enjoy the feeling of having a deeper keypress and prefer a more substantial travel distance, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream may be the better choice for you. Both switches offer their own advantages and it's important to consider your specific typing or gaming style when making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer a low-pitched sound profile that is bass-heavy and mellow. This creates a deep sound that is noticeable but not overly pronounced. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate pitch and are suitable for most purposes.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switches provide a buttery typing experience, meaning that they offer a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. They are also described as invigorating, with pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. Additionally, some users may appreciate the textured nature of these switches, which adds a subtle friction to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience. They are snappy and responsive, providing a lively feel with a spring-like feedback. Additionally, they are described as subtle and polished, offering a gentle resistance and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, we can see that the NovelKeys Cream switches are known for their heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile and a buttery, invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are described as having a great typing feel with a creamy sound signature. While they may have some different qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences. If you are looking for a similar sound profile and feel, you can expect to get comparable results from either switch, depending on your personal preferences and the other factors such as your keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a heavier and more substantial linear typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is the way to go. These switches offer a deep sound profile and a buttery and invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and a smooth keystroke experience. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Cream switches would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a shorter activation and a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch would be more suitable. These switches have a mild and snappy feel, providing a super responsive and lively typing experience. The Splash Brothers switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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