Durock Blue Lotus vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Blue Lotus is a tactile switch that offers a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, thanks to its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is a linear switch known for its bright and clacky characteristics, coupled with a light touch that results in effortless actuation. This makes it a great choice for users looking for 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Blue Lotus utilizes a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium and unique feel, while the Salt Ice boasts a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches are designed to offer a distinct auditory experience, with the Blue Lotus emphasizing a softer and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, which offers a crisper and clearer sound profile. While the Blue Lotus focuses on depth and roundness in sound, the Salt Ice aims for clarity and resonance.
In terms of aesthetics, the Blue Lotus sets itself apart with its nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound quality. The use of different housing materials in these switches highlights how material choice can impact the overall typing experience, offering users a variety of options based on their sound preferences. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and user experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in the design and functionality of mechanical switches.
Ultimately, while the Blue Lotus and Salt Ice may differ in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide an exceptional typing experience. The unique qualities of the nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in these switches serve to enhance the sound profile in distinct ways, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a softer and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper tone, both switches offer a premium feel and aesthetic appeal that make them standout choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a high-quality typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Salt Ice is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of None grams. These differences mean that the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher actuation and bottom out force, whereas the Salt Ice offers a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Despite these variations, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable choices for different preferences based on typing experience and key feel desired. It ultimately comes down to personal preference whether one prefers the lighter touch of the Salt Ice or the heavier feel of the Blue Lotus.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. Between the two, the Jerrzi Salt Ice has a slightly shorter travel distance. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for quick and responsive typing or gaming experiences. However, those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their key presses may lean towards the Durock Blue Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switches offer a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users who enjoy a deeper tone. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Salt Ice switches is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped, offering a medium level of tactility that is both responsive and engaging. The tactile feedback provided by these switches is not overpowering, yet still noticeable, creating a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Salt Ice switches is unknown, making it challenging to determine how they directly compare to the Blue Lotus in terms of tactile feedback and typing sensation.
Overall, both the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Blue Lotus switches are praised for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, as well as their vibrant RGB illumination, the Salt Ice switches stand out for their bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If a user enjoys a deep and rich sound profile with medium tactile feedback, the Blue Lotus switches may be the ideal choice. Conversely, if a user values bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch, the Salt Ice switches may be more suitable. Regardless, both switches offer quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactility and sound. If you value a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a snappy feel, and a vibrant RGB illumination, then the Blue Lotus would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with bright and clacky characteristics, accompanied by a light touch and effortless actuation, then the Salt Ice switch is the way to go. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch will provide you with the best typing experience tailored to your needs.
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