TTC Flaming Purple vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Jerrzi Salt Ice are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is praised for its resonant and bassy sound, with a feathery touch that makes typing swift and effortless. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and responsive typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is clear that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Flaming Purple utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Salt Ice opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and clearer sound profile.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences in bottom housing materials between the Flaming Purple and the Salt Ice lead to varying sound profiles. The Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a sharper and crisper sound. This divergence in sound characteristics highlights the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience. While the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the TTC Flaming Purple and the Jerrzi Salt Ice plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. However, the different bottom housing materials, nylon for the Flaming Purple and polycarbonate for the Salt Ice, lead to distinct sound characteristics. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials contributes to the overall feel and sound of the switch, showcasing the importance of material selection in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is the lighter of the two. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The difference in actuation force between the two switches is minimal, with the Flaming Purple being slightly lighter. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, but the Flaming Purple may be more preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, such as during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Salt Ice may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Flaming Purple being slightly longer than the Salt Ice. Gamers may gravitate towards the Flaming Purple for its slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. On the other hand, those looking for a quicker response time may prefer the Salt Ice with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassier and slightly resonant experience, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This can add a touch of poppy undertone to each keystroke, enhancing the auditory flair of typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, although specific descriptors for its sound profile are unavailable. Depending on personal preferences, users may enjoy the deeper and richer sound of the Flaming Purple or the bright and clacky sound of the Salt Ice.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Flaming Purple is lauded for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal effort to activate the keys. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes typing swift and effortless, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, information on the specific feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is not provided.
Considering all available information, both the TTC Flaming Purple and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassier and resonant sound along with a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, the Salt Ice switch is known for its bright and clacky sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these switches to tailor their mechanical keyboard to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer engaging and responsive typing experiences, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should first assess your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bassier and resonant sound profile with a light and feathery typing experience, the Flaming Purple switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch for a more energetic and responsive typing experience, the Salt Ice switch may better suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision.
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