Bsun Pine vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch, offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Pine is renowned for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility for users who value clear-cut feedback and fast action. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches stand out with their bright and clacky characteristics, coupled with a light touch for vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Pine excels in accentuated and invigorating typing, the Salt Ice offers a more relaxed and responsive feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for better transmission of RGB lighting, making it ideal for users looking to add visual effects to their keyboards. However, the Pine features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and clearer sound profile throughout the switch.
The differences in housing materials between the Bsun Pine and the Jerrzi Salt Ice result in distinct typing experiences for users. While the Pine offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, the Salt Ice provides a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in sound characteristics may appeal to different users based on their preference for either a duller and rounder sound (Pine) or a clearer and resonant sound (Salt Ice). Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel, compared to the influence of the top housing material on the key release sound, further differentiates the typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Pine and the Jerrzi Salt Ice showcases the impact of polycarbonate and nylon on the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the differentiation in bottom housing materials leads to varying sound characteristics. Whether users prefer a deeper, fuller sound (Pine) or a sharper, crisper sound (Salt Ice), the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience on these mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is the same at 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, the difference lies in the bottom out force. The Pine has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, giving a more substantial feel when pressing down fully. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unknown, making it difficult to determine the level of resistance when fully pressing the key. In terms of weight, the Pine is heavier due to its higher bottom out force compared to the Salt Ice, which could cater to those who prefer a stronger push feel for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding typing experience and weight preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is the same, both measuring at 3.4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance. When comparing the two, it can be noted that they offer consistent key presses and smooth actuation due to their identical travel distances. In terms of shorter and longer travel distances, both switches are equal, ensuring that users can expect a comparable typing experience regardless of which switch they choose to use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Pine switches are often described as having a satisfyingly crisp and distinctive click, making them a popular choice for users who enjoy a more audible typing experience. On the other hand, Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and energetic typing sound that is sure to make an impression. Ultimately, the sound of each switch will also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switches are often described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing users with a balanced and responsive typing experience that is not too soft or too firm. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are known for their light and effortless actuation, offering users a smooth and easy keystroke without sacrificing tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, both the BSUN Pine tactile switches and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Pine switches provide a sharp tactile bump and direct feedback, ideal for users who prefer a pronounced and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches offer a bright and clacky sound profile along with a light touch, appealing to users who seek an energetic and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's specific preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you value a sharp tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Bsun Pine switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light touch with vibrant feedback and a clacky sound, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch could be the better choice. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound, and make your decision based on what will enhance your typing experience the most. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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