Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its tactile feedback, distinct sound profile, and smooth feel, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a lively typing experience with audibly satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, combined with a light touch that delivers a responsive typing experience. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro is accentuated, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Salt Ice switch lacks categories. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is clear that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in these housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal for users seeking a more distinctive typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro diverges in its choice of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro contributes to a softer and more absorbent typing experience, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice maintains a sharper and clearer sound profile, reflecting the stiffer nature of this plastic material. This contrast highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing feel and sound characteristics of a switch.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a unique balance of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Salt Ice's consistent use of polycarbonate results in a more resonant and crisp typing feel. Ultimately, selecting a switch with the right housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound quality for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the V3 Cream Blue Pro slightly heavier than the Salt Ice in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches is the same, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's medium-light actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force may be more suitable for users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Considering these differences in weight can help users choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. However, the Salt Ice has a slightly longer travel distance than the Cream Blue Pro. This difference may be subtle, but it can affect the typing or gaming experience for some users. Those looking for a faster response time may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Cream Blue Pro, while others who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Salt Ice. 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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, giving users a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches shine with exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering users a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for an energetic and responsive typing experience. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so users can expect a satisfying auditory experience regardless of their choice.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming or subtle, along with a spring-like rebound sensation and super responsiveness for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. While details on the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are not provided, users can anticipate a light touch with smooth key travel based on the description of their vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. Both switches offer tactile and smooth typing experiences to cater to users' preferences for key feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. With the V3 Cream Blue Pro providing a lively and audible feedback paired with smoothness, and the Salt Ice offering bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch, users can choose between a vibrant and energetic typing experience or a more tactile and polished one based on their personal preferences. Both switches offer quality options to enhance the overall typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smooth and tactile sensation with a lively, audible feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with effortless actuation, the Salt Ice may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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