Kailh Berry vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Berry, a linear switch, is known for its hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, resulting in a deep sound profile characterized by a textured, low-pitched, and bassy quality. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice, also a linear switch, stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, making it an ideal choice for users seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches, both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that they will both have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to switches with different housing materials. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more visually appealing appearance, especially when combined with RGB lighting. However, the Berry's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a different typing experience compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, which focuses on creating a clear and resonant sound.
While the top housings of the Berry and Salt Ice switches share the use of polycarbonate and therefore produce similar sound profiles, their bottom housings provide a noticeable point of contrast. The Berry's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, which emphasizes a clear and sharp sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch, catering to different preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound profiles and typing feel. The combination of a polycarbonate top housing for both switches ensures a similar sharp and crisp sound profile, while the difference in bottom housing materials provides a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the Berry's nylon bottom housing or a clearer and sharper sound with the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Kailh Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch in terms of pressure needed to fully press the key down. However, the actuation force of the Berry switch is not specified. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter in terms of initial pressure needed to trigger a keystroke. The bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is not provided. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch may be more favorable, while the Kailh Berry switch would appeal to those who prefer a heavier push for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Berry switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice switch. In the world of mechanical keyboards, even a small difference in travel distance can make a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. The Berry switch may provide a bit more key travel, which can give a more satisfying typing feel for some users. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for quick key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize a longer, more substantial key press or a quicker, more responsive one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
The Kailh Berry linear switch stands out for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. Combined with a springy and chalk-like texture, typists can enjoy a hefty typing experience with these switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound accompanied by a light touch, delivering vibrant feedback and easy actuation for a lively typing experience. While the sound of a switch can also vary based on factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect distinct auditory experiences with these two switches.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is noted for its textured sensation, adding noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel can appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance or tactility in their typing experience. On the contrary, information regarding the specific feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is not provided. Despite this, users can anticipate a smoother feel compared to the Berry switch, given the switch's reputation for a light touch. Whether you prefer a textured typing experience or a smoother touch, both switches offer unique tactile qualities for users to explore.
Overall, the Kailh Berry and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches provide distinct sound and feel characteristics for typists to consider. While the Berry switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound with a textured typing feel, the Salt Ice switch presents a bright and clacky sound with a lighter touch. Depending on your preference for sound depth and tactile feedback, both switches offer their own unique typing experiences. By selecting the switch that aligns with your preferred sound and feel qualities, you can enhance your typing enjoyment and efficiency on your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and deep sound profile, the Berry switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Salt Ice switch with its unavailable bottom out force and light touch may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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