Outemu Crystal vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Outemu Crystal and Jerrzi Salt Ice are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Crystal is praised for its elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a smooth and unique typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that offers vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Crystal offers a gentle and polished typing experience, the Salt Ice switches are energetic and responsive. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences. 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Salt Ice use polycarbonate for their top and bottom housing, resulting in similar qualities for sound profile and aesthetics. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard.
Despite both switches using polycarbonate housing material, there may still be variations in the sound and feel between the Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Salt Ice due to other factors such as stem design and spring weight. However, the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing ensures that users can expect similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Whether you're typing on the Crystal or the Salt Ice, you can anticipate a sharp and clear sound when pressing down on the keys, as well as a visually appealing translucent housing for RGB lighting effects.
Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Salt Ice may come down to personal preference in terms of other features such as tactile bump, actuation force, and overall typing experience. However, if you appreciate the benefits of polycarbonate housing, both switches offer a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal. Whether you choose the Crystal or the Salt Ice, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a crisp and resonant sound thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we can see that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light touch for users. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal requires 55 grams, while the Salt Ice force is unknown. The Crystal offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a bit more resistance for a firmer typing experience. This may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Salt Ice may be more suitable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it allows for easier key presses with less fatigue. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Salt Ice switch is shorter compared to the Crystal switch. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers and those who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Salt Ice switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more substantial keypress may opt for the Crystal switch with its longer travel distance. 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 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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched characteristics, which give it a unique and sharp sound profile. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, but it is known for being exceptionally bright and clacky. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Crystal being more distinct and the Salt Ice being energetic and responsive.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, there is no specific description provided for the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's feel. Despite this lack of information, it can be inferred that the light touch of the Salt Ice switch may offer a quick and effortless actuation, contributing to a vibrant typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a unique and distinctive typing experience with its chirpy sound and polished feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound profile and light touch. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide different yet appealing options for users seeking a linear switch for their mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, users can expect a tailored typing experience based on their preference between the two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Crystal switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright, clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Salt Ice switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style.
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