KTT Darling vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique typing experiences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, boasts a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering a light touch and vibrant feedback. While the Darling provides a blend of tactile and auditory feedback with its high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the Salt Ice switch is known for its energetic and responsive 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing. The Darling utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and crisper sound profile consistent with its top housing material.
Despite the similarities in the top housing material of polycarbonate, the differences in the bottom housing between the KTT Darling and the Jerrzi Salt Ice provide distinct typing experiences. The Darling's nylon bottom housing offers a more subdued and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing feel and creating a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the sharp and resonant sound produced by its top housing, resulting in a consistent and crisp typing experience. These contrasting bottom housing materials allow for a diverse range of preferences when it comes to selecting the ideal switch for individual typing needs.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Darling and the Jerrzi Salt Ice ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing sound and feel. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials offer distinct typing experiences. Whether seeking a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Darling's nylon bottom housing or a sharper and crisper sound with the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, enthusiasts have the opportunity to customize their typing experience based on their unique preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality materials that cater to a variety of typing styles and preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Darling is slightly heavier in terms of the force needed to press all the way down on the key. The Darling would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force remains a mystery. Whether choosing a lighter or heavier option, both switches can offer a different typing experience based on personal preference.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Darling switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, some users may find the Darling switch to provide a slightly more substantial depth in key presses compared to the Salt Ice switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its high-pitched, resonant, and clacky characteristics, providing a sharp and engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile, which adds a vibrant and energetic element to the typing experience. Both switches deliver a unique sound profile, with the Darling offering a more pronounced high-pitched resonance compared to the Salt Ice.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy and substantial typing sensation, giving users a chewy and satisfying feel with each key press. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its light touch and effortless actuation, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience. While the Darling switch offers a more springy and substantial feel, the Salt Ice switch excels in its light and easy key presses.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch provide distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Darling offers a more bouncy and resonant typing experience with a high-pitched clacky sound, while the Salt Ice offers a bright and clacky typing sensation with a light touch. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a more substantial and chewy typing feel with a resonant sound (Darling) or a light and clacky typing experience with easy actuation (Salt Ice).
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing sensation and sound. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing experience with a bouncy and springy feedback, along with a resonant high-pitched sound, then the KTT Darling would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch for an energetic and responsive typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of tactile and auditory feedback you desire from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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