Jwick Splash Brothers vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers and the KTT Strawberry are two intriguing options that offer unique qualities. The Splash Brothers features a shorter activation and a long pole stem, delivering a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, these switches emit a creamy sound signature, adding to their allure. On the other hand, the Strawberry switches are beloved for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With attractive pink and clear housings, they also bring a touch of aesthetics to your setup. The Strawberry switches are often described as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Jwick Splash Brothers and KTT Strawberry switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual appeal. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches will offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Splash Brothers feature a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound like the top housing. This means that the Strawberry switch will offer a more consistent sound profile throughout the key press, with both the top and bottom housing contributing to the overall sound.
Keep in mind that the characteristics of the bottom housing will primarily impact the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, depending on personal preference for the specific sound and typing feel, one may prefer the Jwick Splash Brothers with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, or the KTT Strawberry with its consistent and sharp sound profile from both the top and bottom polycarbonate housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, both switches offer different force requirements for a typing experience. The actuation force of the Splash Brothers is not specified, while the Strawberry requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottoming out, the Splash Brothers has a light force requirement of 48 grams, while the Strawberry has a slightly heavier force of 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Splash Brothers may be a suitable choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are not specified, but its bottom out force is lighter compared to the Strawberry. This lighter force may allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it desirable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Strawberry provides a more substantial typing experience with a lower actuation force of 43 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This heavier force requirement may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing.
It is worth mentioning that without the exact actuation force of the Splash Brothers, it is uncertain how it compares to the Strawberry in terms of initial response. However, based on the provided information, the Strawberry does have a lower actuation force, suggesting a potentially faster response time than the Splash Brothers.
In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Splash Brothers and the Strawberry linear switches offer different typing experiences. The Splash Brothers is lighter in terms of bottom out force, which may be preferable for extended use, while the Strawberry provides a stronger push feel with a lower actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the Jwick Splash Brothers has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minor, but it can have an impact on the typing experience. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered the most traditional, providing a balanced feel with a moderate depth. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers offers a slightly shallower experience, preferred by gamers and those who prioritize faster response times. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, so if you prefer a more hearty depth, the KTT Strawberry with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better choice. Both switches offer their unique benefits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is known for its creamy sound signature, providing a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switch has a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a polished and refined finish that results in smooth and sleek key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is loved for its attractive pink and clear housings. It is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, apart from this information, there is no additional detail available regarding the specific qualities of the Strawberry switch's sound.
In terms of feel, the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This implies an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance and a fluid key travel. The Jwick Splash Brothers switch, on the other hand, offers a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. These qualities provide a gentle resistance, responsive typing experience, lively feel, and reduced friction for smooth key travel.
From the information provided, it is clear that both switches have their own unique characteristics. While the sound profiles differ, with the Splash Brothers having a neutral sound and the Strawberry having a low-pitched sound, both switches offer a polished finish for smooth key travel. Additionally, the Splash Brothers provides a mild typing experience, while the Strawberry offers an exceptionally smooth and frictionless typing feel. Therefore, although there are some differences, if you are looking for a smooth and polished typing experience, both switches can potentially provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light switch with a shorter activation and creamy sound, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be a great choice. It offers a mild and subtle typing experience, making it approachable for most users. The Splash Brothers have a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth actuation, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is a fantastic option. With attractive pink and clear housings, it provides a comfortable and reliable typing feel. The Strawberry switch is known for its low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light and creamy typing experience, the Splash Brothers will be a great fit. However, if you prefer a medium force switch with smooth actuation and a lower-pitched sound, the Strawberry switch would be the way to go.
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