TTC Brother vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer unique qualities for different preferences. The TTC Brother is renowned for its lightweight and breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is satisfyingly crunchy and precise. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches stand out with their bright and clacky characteristics, offering vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for a lively typing experience. While the Brother is favored for its easy-to-press feel and stepped tactile bump, the Salt Ice is a popular choice for those seeking a responsive and energetic 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
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness of the plastic material lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, particularly if RGB lighting is incorporated into the design. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Brother features a nylon material, while the Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials contributes to varying sound profiles. The Brother's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and higher-pitched sound characteristic of this material. This contrast in housing materials highlights how the choice of material can impact the overall sound profile of a switch. Additionally, the split between top and bottom housing qualities means that pressing down on the switch will result in feeling the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, both the TTC Brother and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches benefit from the unique sound profiles created by their respective housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a sharper and crisper sound, with the translucent nature of the material enhancing aesthetics, particularly with RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing materials between the nylon of the Brother and the polycarbonate of the Salt Ice creates distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches. Understanding how different housing materials impact sound quality is essential when selecting a switch for a specific typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Brother switch would be considered the lighter option, which could be favored by those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to individual preferences for actuation force and whether bottom out force is a crucial factor in typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among users, especially gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, but those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Salt Ice switch. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Brother switch more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel desired by the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch is renowned for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This distinctive auditory experience is a key highlight for users who enjoy the satisfying clicky sound of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch lacks a specific sound descriptor in the provided information, indicating that its sound profile may not be as pronounced or unique as the Brother switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers an easy-to-press experience with a light actuation force of just 37g. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Brother switch is described as having a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance, providing a distinct feedback without being overpowering. In comparison, the information provided for the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not specify any particular feel descriptors. This suggests that the Salt Ice switch may lack the tactile feedback and easy actuation of the Brother switch.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight and tactile typing experience, accompanied by a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is characterized by its bright and clacky characteristics, offering a responsive and energetic typing experience. While the Brother switch excels in both sound and feel aspects, the Salt Ice switch seems to prioritize a bright sound profile without specific details on its tactile feel. Depending on the user's preference for either tactile feedback or distinctive sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch will depend on whether the user prioritizes tactile feedback or audible sound in their mechanical keyboard switch selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should assess your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a light actuation force, crisp clicky sound, and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, the Brother switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch for an energetic and responsive typing experience, the Salt Ice switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what sensory and tactile qualities resonate with you the most as you embark on your mechanical keyboard journey.
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