Kailh Box White V2 vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between Kailh Box White V2 and Jerrzi Salt Ice become quite pronounced. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its distinctive clicky feedback, providing users with crisp tactile sensations and an audible click that can enhance the typing experience, making it a popular choice for typists and gamers who enjoy clear, perceptible responses. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer a smooth, linear feel characterized by their exceptionally bright and clacky notes, allowing for a light touch and effortless actuation. This makes them appealing to users who prefer a more fluid and energetic typing experience without the distraction of sound. While the Box White V2 is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and sound, the Salt Ice caters to those who prioritize a seamless and responsive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which grants them similar acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, primarily because it is a stiffer plastic. This stiffness facilitates a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly favorable for applications that feature RGB lighting. Both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucent nature of polycarbonate; a clear top housing allows for vibrant light diffusion, enhancing the overall visual appeal of a mechanical keyboard.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jerrzi Salt Ice differ significantly, impacting their respective sound profiles. The Box White V2 employs nyon for its bottom housing, which is known for its softer properties. This results in a deeper and fuller acoustic signature, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, aligning it more closely in sound traits with its top housing. Consequently, the Salt Ice delivers a more consistent high-pitched profile throughout, contrasting with the Box White V2’s dual-layer sound blend where the nylon bottom enhances lower frequencies.
Ultimately, while both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that establishes a similar brightness in sound, their divergent bottom materials mark a notable distinction in overall acoustic behavior. The Box White V2 offers a rounded and fuller sound from its nylon bottom to complement the crispness from the polycarbonate top, providing a nuanced auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Salt Ice maintains a uniform sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate composition in both housings. When comparing the two, keyboard enthusiasts can expect different auditory sensations defined by the interplay of materials, illustrating how housing choices can exceptionally influence tactile feedback and sound resonance.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience when it comes to activating each key. However, the bottom out force varies between the two: the Box White V2 has a definitive bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is unknown. This lack of information on the Salt Ice's bottom out force prevents a complete direct comparison. Nevertheless, the additional resistance at bottoming out in the Box White V2 might provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. In summary, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Box White V2 is the heavier option when considering bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for users seeking a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's clear that they differ slightly. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Salt Ice features a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the shorter option, which may appeal to users who prioritize quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Box White V2 may be more satisfying for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you favor a snappier feel or a more pronounced keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
The Kailh Box White V2 switch is renowned for its crisp and distinct audible click, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. The click sound is pronounced and sharp, making each keystroke feel substantial and intentional. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch produces a vibrant and clacky sound that elevates the overall typing experience. This lively sound profile adds an energetic layer to typing, appealing to users who prefer a more dynamic auditory feedback. Both switches deliver engaging sound experiences, but the Box White V2 leans more towards a sharp click, while the Salt Ice emphasizes a bright and clacky note, showcasing the diversity in mechanical keyboard sounds.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switch offers a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, with a pronounced bump at the actuation point that makes it easy to register keystrokes. This tactile sensation allows typists to know exactly when a key is activated, which can improve typing accuracy and speed. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch provides a distinctly lighter touch, characterizing it with effortless actuation that promotes rapid typing without much resistance. This lighter feel can lead to a quicker response time and may be favored by those who prefer a less tactile or more fluid typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Box White V2 emphasizes tactile engagement, whereas the Salt Ice focuses on a smooth and responsive actuation.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different typing styles. While the Box White V2 provides a crisp, clicky sound and pronounced tactile feedback suitable for those who appreciate clear actuation cues, the Salt Ice offers a bright, clacky sound and a lighter touch that appeals to users looking for a fast and energetic typing experience. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a tactile or a linear feel, and the corresponding auditory feedback that enhances your typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy the audible click sounds that accompany your keystrokes, the Kailh Box White V2 is a compelling choice. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams allows for effortless typing, making it suitable for both typing and gaming sessions where you want that satisfying click for each key press. On the other hand, if you're after a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice is optimal for creating an atmosphere conducive to focus without distractions. Its vibrant feedback and effortless actuation provide a lively and responsive typing experience that many users find exhilarating, especially in fast-paced scenarios or when gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired typing experience—whether that’s the crisp and tactile nature of the Box White V2 or the sleek and responsive style of the Salt Ice switches.
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