Gateron Smoothie vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch that boasts a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. On the other hand, we have the Jwick Splash Brothers, also a linear switch, known for its shorter activation and long pole stem that provide a great typing feel, along with a creamy sound signature. The Smoothie is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky', while the Splash Brothers is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. When deciding between the two, you may want to choose the Smoothie for its thocky sound and smoothness, while the Splash Brothers may be preferred for its shorter activation and creamy sound. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Smoothie's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Splash Brothers's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for those who prioritize aesthetics. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the Splash Brothers's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The differences in housing materials between the Gateron Smoothie and Jwick Splash Brothers switches not only impact the sound profile but also the overall typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers may provide a more satisfying key press with a clear and resonant sound when compared to the Smoothie's POM top housing. On the other hand, the softer nylon bottom housing of the Splash Brothers may offer a more cushioned bottom-out sound, whereas the Smoothie's POM bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile. These contrasting qualities highlight how the choice of housing material can influence the tactile feedback and acoustics of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Smoothie and Jwick Splash Brothers switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the POM and polycarbonate housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, they both contribute to a pleasing typing experience. Similarly, the differences between the nylon and POM bottom housings provide varying levels of sound absorption and impact on the overall key press. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we see that the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Splash Brothers which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams while the bottom out force of the Smoothie is not available. This means that the Splash Brothers requires more force to fully press down a key compared to the Smoothie. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective weight requirements. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the stronger push feel of the Splash Brothers for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. The Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Splash Brothers offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Splash Brothers with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Smoothie. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience with just a slight variation in travel distance, so users can expect to get similar results from either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky and low-pitched sound that is also subdued, creating a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes due to its moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches offer smooth acoustics, but the Smoothie leans towards a deeper and richer sound compared to the neutral sound of the Splash Brothers. When it comes to feel, the Smoothie is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, providing effortless and uniform keystrokes. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, offering a more gentle and lively typing sensation. Overall, while the Gateron Smoothie excels in delivering a thocky and buttery typing experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers provides a neutral sound profile and a versatile feel suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches offer smooth and satisfying typing experiences, ensuring that newcomers will get similar results in terms of performance and quality.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of none grams to provide a light and effortless typing experience, the Smoothie may be the better choice for you. With its distinctive thocky sound signature and buttery feel, the Smoothie offers a unique typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and lightness. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of 48 grams that still provides a comfortable typing experience, the Splash Brothers may be more suitable for you. Its creamy sound signature and mild feel offer a balanced typing experience that is responsive and gentle on the fingers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so consider what qualities matter most to you when making your decision.
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