TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to understand the differences between tactile and linear options. The TTC Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, is perfect for those who prefer a subtle and nuanced typing experience. With its gentle tactile bump and quiet sound profile, this switch allows for a focused and immersive typing session. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch, stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch. Ideal for users who appreciate a more energetic and responsive feel while typing. 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
N/A
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Salt Ice, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Salt Ice incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sharp, clear, and resonant sound profile throughout the switch.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Salt Ice deliver a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of each housing material. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro contributes to a more rounded and dull sound when bottoming out keys, enhancing the tactile feedback for users. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice maintains the switch's overall crisp and sharp sound profile, ensuring a consistent typing experience. When comparing the top and bottom housing of each switch, it is evident that the material choice plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of key presses.
In conclusion, while the Gold Brown Pro and the Salt Ice share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, they diverge in their bottom housing materials, resulting in unique typing experiences for users. The Gold Brown Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Salt Ice's all-polycarbonate construction maintains a sharp and resonant sound throughout. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel, with both options offering distinct advantages based on their housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, so it is unclear which one requires more force to fully press down. Weight can have different implications for different users, as some may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the specific feel and force desired for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Gold Brown Pro may provide a slightly deeper press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the Salt Ice offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or individuals seeking a faster response time. Ultimately, choosing 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 TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 comparing the sound of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches, it is clear that they offer vastly different auditory experiences. The Gold Brown Pro is best described as thocky, low-pitched, and overall neutral in tone, providing a deep and satisfying sound without being overpowering. In contrast, the sound profile of the Salt Ice switches is unknown, but given their bright and clacky characteristics, it can be assumed that they offer a more energetic and potentially louder typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the two switches, the Gold Brown Pro is known for its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped characteristics. These qualities result in a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance and minimal sound, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the feel of the Salt Ice switches is unknown, but given their light touch and vibrant feedback, it can be assumed that they offer a responsive and potentially more tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, it is evident that the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and understated tactile experience with a quiet sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice switches offer a bright and clacky typing experience with potentially more tactile feedback, ideal for users seeking a more energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be an excellent choice for you. Its gentle tactile bump allows for immersive typing, perfect for those who want a more understated experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing feel with a light touch, the Salt Ice switch might be more suited to your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to whether you prioritize a nuanced, quiet typing experience or a lively, responsive one. Consider your typing environment, preferences, and desired feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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