Kailh Box Navy vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is perfect for users looking for a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature polycarbonate top housings, which means they will both deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings; the Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing that maintains the sharp, crisp sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Jerrzi Salt Ice aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their unique housing configurations. The Box Navy's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a clear and resonant sound, emphasizing the sharpness and higher pitch of the switch. This difference in bottom housing material influences the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
When using switches with differing top and bottom housing materials like the Box Navy and the Salt Ice, the unique qualities of each material will impact specific aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing material, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, will have a noticeable effect on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. Conversely, the top housing material, also polycarbonate in this case, will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding how these housing materials interact can help users appreciate the nuances of each switch and choose one that best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for typists and gamers. The Box Navy is heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Salt Ice is likely lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. This lighter actuation force may be more suitable for those who type or game for long periods of time and prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky 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 Box Navy has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Salt Ice a good choice for gaming. On the other hand, the Box Navy with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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 Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch's sound qualities are unknown, but are likely to be bright and clacky based on user experiences. Both switches are likely to provide a satisfying auditory experience, but the Box Navy may offer a more distinctive and vintage sound due to its clicky nature.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump that is pronounced with each keypress. This creates an immersive typing sensation that demands a higher actuation force. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch's feel qualities are unknown, but are expected to offer a light touch and effortless actuation based on user feedback. Both switches are likely to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience, with the Box Navy offering a more intense tactile feedback compared to the Salt Ice.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy provides a vintage, resonant, and crunchy sound profile with a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. The Salt Ice, on the other hand, is likely to offer a bright, clacky sound and a light touch with effortless actuation. Depending on your preference for heavy and tactile typing versus a lighter and smoother typing experience, you can choose between the Box Navy and Salt Ice switches to achieve similar results in terms of quality and satisfaction in typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing feel with a distinctive clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Salt Ice switches would be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preference for sound and feel.
Mentioned in this article
