Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, both linear switches, it's important to consider their unique features. The V3 Crystal Pro stands out for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature as well as a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice offers exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch, making it an energetic and responsive choice for users. While the Crystal Pro is known for its bouncy and polished feel, the Salt Ice offers a different typing experience altogether. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
While both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, they differ in their overall design and aesthetics. The V3 Crystal Pro's housing is geared towards enhancing RGB lighting effects with its translucency, making it a popular choice among gamers and enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboards. On the other hand, the Salt Ice also utilizes polycarbonate for its housing materials, but it may have a different design or color scheme that sets it apart from the Crystal Pro.
In terms of sound profile, both keyboards benefit from the sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate material. The stiffness of polycarbonate plays a role in creating a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both keyboards. Whether it's the V3 Crystal Pro or the Salt Ice, users can expect a satisfying sound feedback while typing.
The difference in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches can impact the overall feel and sound of each keystroke. The characteristics of the bottom housing will be more pronounced during bottoming out, providing a tactile response that contributes to the typing experience. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound of the key release, adding to the overall auditory feedback of the switch. By understanding how these materials interact with each other, users can tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's 45 grams. However, the V3 Crystal Pro also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Salt Ice switch is unknown. This means that the V3 Crystal Pro provides a more consistent and tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, while the Salt Ice switch remains a mystery in terms of bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Salt Ice switch may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the V3 Crystal Pro. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the ideal typing experience for their needs.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly longer than the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may favor the Salt Ice switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the V3 Crystal Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro 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 Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy sound signature, adding a unique squeak to its typing experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a bright and clacky sound profile, providing vibrant feedback with a light touch. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, making it essential to consider your desired typing experience when choosing between them.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is described as bouncy and polished, offering a spring-like feedback with a lively feel and a smooth, refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is currently unavailable. Depending on your preference for bounce and polish in your typing experience, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch may be a more suitable choice for those seeking a dynamic and smooth feel while typing.
Taking all available information into consideration, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique sound and potential feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you appreciate a chirpy sound with a bouncy and polished feel, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky sound profile with a light touch feel, the Salt Ice switch could provide the typing experience you desire. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, so consider these factors carefully when making your selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a brighter, chirpy sound with a silky smooth feel and medium bottom out force, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer exceptionally bright and clacky sounds with a light touch and effortless actuation, the Salt Ice switches could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the specific typing characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
