Dareu Aqua vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Aqua and Jerrzi Salt Ice are two popular choices in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, both offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aqua, a linear switch, stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is easy to press and feathery. On the other hand, the Salt Ice, also a linear switch, boasts exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch, offering vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Aqua may appeal to those looking for a lighter touch and unique sound profile, the Salt Ice is perfect for users seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, we can see that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, the Aqua's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile of its top housing.
The use of different materials for the bottom housing in the Dareu Aqua and the Jerrzi Salt Ice results in distinct tactile and auditory experiences. The Aqua's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the clear and resonant sound profile associated with polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material directly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch, providing users with unique typing experiences based on the housing material.
Overall, the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and Jerrzi Salt Ice play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Aqua's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. By understanding how these materials interact with each other, users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but the difference in actuation force suggests that the Aqua switch may feel lighter overall during typing. For those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions, the Aqua switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and overall typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch is 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the standard range of travel distances, with the Aqua being slightly longer than the Salt Ice. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Aqua. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky qualities, creating a distinctive typing experience with a light and lively sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch boasts exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing users with a vibrant and energetic typing feedback. Both switches deliver a satisfying auditory response, but the Aqua's chirpy sound may appeal more to those looking for a slightly different sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's sharp and snappy sound.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing experience. The feather-light actuation force of the Aqua switch makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While the specific feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is unknown, it can be inferred that its light touch and clacky characteristics may provide a similar comfortable and responsive typing experience as the Aqua switch.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua switch stands out with its chirpy and light sound profile, coupled with an easy-to-press and feathery feel that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch excels in delivering a bright and clacky auditory feedback, potentially offering a similar typing feel to the Aqua due to its light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal sound and feel preferences, as both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force and sound signature. If you prefer a super light 37g actuation force and enjoy a blend of chirpy and clacky sound, the Aqua switch is the way to go, providing a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer an energetic and responsive typing experience with bright and clacky characteristics, the Salt Ice switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing preferences and what kind of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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