KTT Cream Yellow vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches stand out for their unique features. The Cream Yellow switch offers a distinctively clacky sound with its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, providing resonant audio feedback. Its lengthened spring also creates a bouncy typing feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that makes typing effortless. These switches are perfect for users looking for 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound to be produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Cream Yellow differs in its use of a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
While both the Cream Yellow and Salt Ice share polycarbonate top housings, the difference in their bottom housing materials creates a noticeable contrast in sound and feel. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a softer and rounder sound profile, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound associated with the material. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how the construction of a switch can impact the overall typing experience, showcasing how varying housing materials can lead to distinct results.
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that the choice of material for both the top and bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. Whether a switch features similar or different housing materials, the combination of top and bottom housing impacts both the sound produced when pressing down and letting go of a key. Ultimately, the choice of housing material is a key factor in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Cream Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Salt Ice's 45 grams, making the Cream Yellow a bit heavier in terms of initial key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams while the information for the Salt Ice is unknown. This means that the Cream Yellow is also heavier in terms of pressing the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Salt Ice due to its lower actuation force, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Cream Yellow. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces being within a reasonable range for most users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Cream Yellow linear 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 that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice switch may provide a more immediate tactile feedback, which can be preferred for gaming scenarios where quick actions are crucial. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, with a sharp and snappy feedback that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The long-pole stem and shortened bottom-out distance contribute to this resonant audio experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is praised for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering a light touch that enhances the overall typing sound. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience that can be tailored further based on the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy typing experience, thanks to its lengthened spring that provides a lively and elastic feedback sensation. Users can expect a satisfying rebound when pressing down the keys, adding to the overall tactile experience. Conversely, details about the specific feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch are currently unknown. However, based on the bright and clacky sound profile, it can be assumed that the typing feel might also align with an energetic and responsive touch.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Salt Ice switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. While the Cream Yellow excels in delivering a clacky sound accompanied by a bouncy typing feel, the Salt Ice is likely to provide a bright and clacky auditory experience with a light and responsive touch. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch could be a fantastic choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a distinctive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience and cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch, the Salt Ice switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Consider these factors when making your choice between the two switches.
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