Bsun Olive vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the BSUN Olive and Jwick Splash Brothers offer unique options to consider. The BSUN Olive switch stands out for its all-POM housings that deliver a resonant, deep sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback and a crisp bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is known for its shorter activation and long pole stem that provide a great typing feel, accompanied by a creamy sound signature. While the Olive switch offers an invigorating and sharp typing experience, the Splash Brothers switch provides a more subtle and polished 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive and Jwick Splash Brothers both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Olive's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Splash Brothers's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to POM, which affects the resonance and pitch of the sound. While the Olive focuses on a pleasing and unique sound, the Splash Brothers prioritizes a sharper and more distinct sound with its polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Bsun Olive's POM bottom housing shares similarities with its top housing in creating a deep and muted sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and deeper sound profile due to the absorbent nature of nylon. The softer properties of nylon compared to POM contribute to a rounder and duller sound, creating a different typing experience compared to the Olive's bottom housing. Each bottom housing material brings its own unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings will be felt differently when using the switches. The bottom housing's impact is more prominent on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights how different materials can contribute to varying aspects of the typing experience in switches like the Bsun Olive and Jwick Splash Brothers.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that the Olive has a medium-heavy feel compared to the light touch of the Splash Brothers. The Olive requires 45 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 65 grams to bottom out, while the Splash Brothers does not specify an actuation force but has a 48-gram bottom out force. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Splash Brothers, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, the Olive provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force requirements. Both switches offer a different typing feel, catering to the preferences of individuals who may prefer a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Splash Brothers has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel compared to the Olive. Overall, both switches offer a similar travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive tactile switch is praised for its resonant and deep sound, creating a satisfying auditory experience during use. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is known for its creamy sound signature, providing a pleasant typing atmosphere. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Olive delivering a deeper tone and the Splash Brothers emitting a smoother sound. However, the actual sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is described as having an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, along with a snappy and tangible typing sensation. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a mild and bouncy typing experience, with a subtle and polished feel. While the Olive switch provides a more pronounced tactile response, the Splash Brothers switch offers a gentler and more elastic keystroke feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and keypress experience.
Overall, the Bsun Olive tactile switch and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Olive switch stands out for its deep and resonant sound, alongside strong tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch provides a creamy sound profile, along with a mild and bouncy keystroke feel. Depending on personal preference for sound depth and tactile feedback intensity, users can choose between the Olive for a more pronounced typing experience or the Splash Brothers for a smoother and gentler feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a resonant, deep sound, the Bsun Olive switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a creamy sound signature coupled with a great typing feel from a linear switch, then the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for feel and sound in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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