Jwick Splash Brothers vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer a unique typing experience. The Splash Brothers, inspired by Steph and Klay's dynamic duo, are praised for their short activation and long pole stem, providing a great typing feel with a creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, offering typists a remarkably smooth and creamy feel, much like the dessert it's named after, and a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Splash Brothers are characterized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Vanilla Ice Cream is described as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer contrasting characteristics. The Splash Brothers features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing known for its high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate of the Splash Brothers allows for RGB lighting, while the special mixed materials of the Vanilla Ice Cream remain a proprietary blend.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Jwick Splash Brothers utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, offering smoothness, durability, and a clacky sound. The POK material's shock resistance and wear resistance are notably superior to other materials such as Nylon and POM, showcasing its strength and longevity.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Splash Brothers and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches will depend on personal preferences in sound profile and material characteristics. While the Splash Brothers offers a sharper and resonant sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with its proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, making them suitable choices for individuals looking for specific sound profiles and material attributes.
Weight
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have different actuation forces but the same bottom out force. The Jwick Splash Brothers has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. Both switches, however, share the same bottom out force of 48 grams, making them equally resistant when fully pressed down. The lighter actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream could provide a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is the same. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience and level of responsiveness from both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, as they offer the same key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and marbly sound that is crisp and resonant, giving typists a unique auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Splash Brothers being more versatile and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivering a more specialized high-pitched and resonant sound.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as mild and snappy, offering a gentle typing experience with responsive feedback. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches offer smooth and refined typing experiences, with the Splash Brothers being more approachable and versatile in its feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a luxurious and buttery typing sensation that is sure to delight enthusiasts.
Overall, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different user preferences. While the Splash Brothers provides a neutral and mild typing experience with a creamy sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and marbly sound with a buttery and creamy feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer premium typing experiences that are sure to enhance your overall typing performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, along with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream could be the perfect fit. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences and needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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